Americans obsession with soda is waning, but not everyone is sipping with their health in mind.
Drinking soda can be a detriment to human health.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), one can of soda contains 36.8 grams (g) of sugar.
Soda contains empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain.
All of that added sugar intake has damaging effects.
Diet soda fiends aren’t off the hook either.
Apast studyfound that diet soda intake is directly related to abdominal obesity in adults over age 65.
The increase in waist circumference among diet soda drinkers was 3 times the amount that it was in nondrinkers.
Earlier researchsuggested that the artificial sweeteners in diet soda may change how the brains reward system processes sweetness.
Oftentimes, when someone is regularly having a soda, they’re not making the best food choices either.
So what are some better choices?
Its still important, though, to consider whats in your soda substitutes.
What to Drink Instead of Soda
Need some inspiration?
Get started with these healthier, low-calorie thirst quenchers that are sure to still satisfy your taste buds.
Another great option is to put chopped-up fruit in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze.
Place these colorful fruit cubes in your beverage for instant flavor and color!
Green tea is available in many varieties.
Drink it hot or iced.
One way to smooth this transition: Sip on plain seltzer.
In my opinion, there simply isnt enough science to recommend the use of these products, Kennedy says.
Mix 1 part juice with 3 parts seltzer to create this light and bubbly concoction.
Pomegranate juiceand grape juice are sources of antioxidants that may help protect your brain and blood vessels.
Asmall, earlier studyfound that pomegranate juice helped improve older adults mild memory problems.
Also, this study included only 32 people and lasted four weeks long, so more research is needed.
Grape juice, meanwhile, may help protect the heart, according to apast article.
Regardless of the juice you drink, you dont want to go overboard with this beverage.
After all, whole fruit trumps juice when it comes to health benefits.
Plus, fruit juice lacks the filling fiber that fruit offers, notes theHarvard T.H.
Chan School of Public Health.
Fake a Lemon-Lime Soda to Satisfy Your Citrus Fix
Can’t give up your favorite citrus-flavored soda?
Study authors also warn that alcohol is a leading risk factor for global disease and causes significant health loss.
It also contains much less natural sugar than fruit juices, according to chapter eight ofCulinary Nutrition.
Better yet, make your own fresh juice easily at home with a juicer.
If you prefer a little kick, add some black pepper and a drop of hot sauce.
Look for low-fat, unsweetened soy beverages to reduce calories.
Other plant-based milks such as almond, coconut, rice, or oat are also potential dairy alternatives.
And as if you didn’t already know coffee’s caffeine can help with mental alertness and physical performance.
The key to reaping these benefits from caffeine is not to overdo it.
Its generally considered safe to have up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day, says Kennedy.
Certain types of brewing will have different amounts of caffeine.
And some people aremore sensitive to caffeine than others.
Yet authors say more research is needed.
The fermentation process gives kombucha a mildly acidic flavor, not unlike apple cider, according to apast review.
The hospital adds that coconut water also contains less sodium than sports drinks.
But dont confuse coconut water with coconut milk.
Typically, coconut water is used to hydrate, while coconut milk is used in cooking.
Coconut water comes directly from the coconut fruit itself and is roughly 94 percent water.
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