Tasty, Healthy Drinks to Have as Alternatives to Water
We all know drinking water is important since staying well-hydrated is essential to survival. It helps keep our bodies cool and maintains our digestive systems. But sometimes, water can be just a bit... boring.
Water can be the most refreshing thing on earth on a scalding hot day or after an intense workout. But the rest of the time? Not so much. Some days, the flavorlessness of water fails to be appealing. In fact, this is thought to be a reason that many Americans aren't really meeting fluid goals.
Although dehydration isn't something to be concerned over if you're young and healthy, it becomes more likely to happen as you age. In addition, depending on your lifestyle, you might need more or less water than the "eight cups a day" we're all familiar with.
Consequences of Poor Hydration
If you don't drink enough water, your body won't be able to protect itself against infections adequately. In addition, being dehydrated can cause low energy levels and lower cognitive function.
Shake It Up With Some Alternative Drinks
Even though nothing can beat water's healthy, pure properties, it doesn't have to be the only thing you drink. There are several healthy beverages you can have alongside water to meet your fluid quota while rewarding your taste buds, too! You may even squeeze out some additional health benefits from these drinks.
1. Sparkling Waters and Seltzers
Sparkling water and seltzer are wonderful ways to get the fizzy sensation of a soda but without all the sugar! It should be noted there are differences in how both are carbonated, but either way, they're both healthy ways to hydrate.
Some are flavored, but if they aren't, you can always flavor them with sliced fruits like lemons or strawberries! They're also great for making mocktails to replace unhealthier alcoholic variants.
2. Tea
Tea has long been revered as a tasty, fanciful drink. But it's great for your body, as well! They're a more natural source of caffeine and contain chemical compounds called flavonoids that are beneficial for heart health.
Because the different tea flavors use various herbs and plants, some flavors carry unique health benefits. Some, like green tea, can help with metabolism and inflammation. Others, such as hibiscus and ginger tea, can help bolster your immune system.
3. Coffee
While drinking it in excess can lead to more caffeine than what is healthy, this iconic brown beverage can have some positive health effects when drunk in moderation and without heaps of sugar or creamer!
According to studies published in the European Journal of Nutrition, Harvard publications, and the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, coffee has antioxidants that help maintain eye health and can reduce the risk of dementia.
If you want to use creamer in your morning coffee, you can opt for a fat-free or plant-based brand, so you don't outweigh the health positives with negatives.
4. Fruit Smoothies
A fun way to stay hydrated and get in some of your daily fruits is with smoothies! And with the right ingredients, you can turn a simple shake into a nutrient blast in a cup.
Additions like dairy products can add some protein to the concoction, and things like chia seeds and bananas can help increase the amount of fiber, which helps support your digestive system. If you need something a bit sweeter, you can add sweeteners like xylitol or monkfruit to it.
5. Kombucha
Kombucha has been something of a trendy drink as of late. And with its possible benefits, it's easy to see why it's so popular.
Originally from China, kombucha is made by fermenting water, sugar, tea, bacteria, and yeast. Many people like it because it's dense with probiotics, which help produce beneficial bacteria in your gut. In turn, this helps with proper digestion.
However, if you want to buy kombucha, avoid ones with artificial flavorings or a high sugar content. After all, minimal processing is the key to a healthy, quality kombucha.
6. Coconut Water
Coconut water is the younger proverbial cousin of coconut milk, coming from young coconuts as opposed to the matured ones milk comes from.
Unlike ordinary water, coconut water tastes like a mix of a subtle nuttiness and a noticeable but not overpowering sweetness. However, depending on the coconuts used, the flavor may differ.
This coconut-based drink is rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium, making it a fantastic option for staying hydrated. Plus, if you don't like how it tastes on its own, you can add it to another drink!
7. Low or Fat Free Milk
For a source of hydration rich in calcium, look no further than milk!
Low-fat and fat-free milk aren't just financially accessible; you get a lot of nutritional substance for such a low price, too! Each glass of milk is jam-packed with essential nutrients with a nice balance of protein and carbohydrates.
And if regular milk doesn't sit well with your stomach, you can get lactose-free versions from the store!
8. Kefir
The last drink on this list is one you might not have heard of before. And that would be kefir, a fermented milk beverage originally from the Northern Caucasus region.
Kefir is akin to drinkable yogurt and is rich in probiotics and vital nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium. Plus, since each cup has a high protein content, you'll feel fuller with each drink than other options.
The Bottom Line
There are many ways to stay hydrated, including some not on this list. However, to adequately stay hydrated, you have to get some plain water alongside them and avoid high-sugar or alcoholic drinks like sodas, beers, and wines.