An important step in trying to be healthy is to take a look at the drinks you are consuming. Sometimes people focus a lot on what they eat and on exercising, and in the process they forget about what they are drinking.

I remember growing up in India, we didn’t have the concept of drinking sodas or juices every day. We only got to have sharbat (rosewater drink) when we visited someone (which was not that often). However, the current trend is to have a drink of some sort constantly in your hand. Whether it is a soda, energy/sport drinks, flavored coffees, alcohol, juices, milkshakes, smoothies, etc, drinks have become a huge part of our lives.

I know sometimes we might think that it’s just a drink, but have you ever considered what else is in these drinks beyond calories?  What else is it doing to your body besides putting on some extra weight? What are all these chemically sounding unpronounceable names???!!

The next time you reach for a drink, look out for these Sly Health Snatchers:

Artificial Sweeteners

These include Aspartame, Acesulfame- potassium (K), Saccharin, and Sucralose are designed as low/no calorie sweeteners. But some of them have known to cause health issues like headaches, dizziness, skin rash, asthma, digestive issues, joint pain, muscle spasms, and cancer.

Artificial Colors:

These are synthetic chemicals that are added to make food look more appealing. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, some food colors can cause allergic reactions, increase risk of cancer, damage organs, and cause hyperactivity and other behavioral problems in children.

High Fructose Corn syrup/Glucose-Fructose Syrup

A highly processed product derived from corn and contains the same number of calories as sugar. However, it is metabolized differently in the body thus leading to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and accelerated aging.

Natural and Artificial Flavorings

Mixtures of various chemicals (including solvents, emulsifiers, preservatives, and flavor modifiers) used to mimic natural flavors. Flavorings are mostly used to replace real food, and sometimes food manufacturers are not required by law to label them. Often chemicals in flavorings can cause allergic and toxic reactions. (For more information: http://www.ewg.org/foodscores/content/natural-vs-artificial-flavors)

Many of these ingredients are also in most processed foods. However, when it comes to drinks we often conveniently ignore them. Having these drinks on a regular basis can cause some serious damage to your health.

So what on earth do I drink?!

• Firstly, water is the best thing ever. I’m sure everyone knows how immense the benefits of water are.
• 100% pure coconut water is not only delicious but also is a great source of electrolytes, aka ENERGY BOOST!!!
• Cold-pressed and unpasteurized, or better yet, homemade smoothies and juices are a great way of getting your daily nutrients in one easy cup.
• Homemade flavored waters are super easy to make, inexpensive, and ensure that you get your daily water intake. Slightly crush your favorite fruits and add to a pitcher of water. Chill and enjoy!!
• Unsweetened green and herbal teas provide a vast range of benefits, from digestive health to sleep.

Note: Some of these ingredients are not used in all countries, so please refer to your countries food agency.