Are you conscious of what you’re putting in your grocery cart or ordering at the coffee shop, restaurant, or bar? It’s important to beware of additives and sugar that may be in your favorite beverages. Nutritionists suggest avoiding certain drinks if you prioritize your health. Sugary soda, sweet coffee drinks, and cocktails are just some of the beverages that experts say can be detrimental to your overall well-being. Energy drinks and pre-workout drinks may result in increased blood pressure, stress, and compromised sleep due to their high caffeine and stimulant content. Moreover, they typically contain artificial sweeteners and flavors, which disrupt gut and brain health. Experts recommend replacing them with coffee or matcha tea. Cocktails that combine alcohol and fructose syrup can be harmful to the liver, which is responsible for processing those liquids. Soda is also among the worst drinks for your health due to added sugar. It’s better to choose seltzer or sparkling water and add lemon, lime, or orange for flavor. Beverages sweetened with agave nectar should be avoided as they contain high amounts of fructose that can be harmful to gut health and stored as fat, particularly in the belly. It’s also advisable to avoid artificially sweetened drinks like those containing aspartame and sucralose in favor of stevia- or monk fruit sweetened drinks that are gut-friendly. Juice “cocktails” and frozen lattes are additional items that experts recommend skipping altogether. Instead, prefer 100 percent fruit juice and unsweetened coffee or tea. Avoiding these drinks and choosing healthier alternatives can go a long way in improving your overall health.
