We all know that fizzy sodas and super sweet juice drinks aren’t the healthiest beverage choices. But did you know there are plenty of other drinks out there that can be just as bad, or even worse, for your health? It’s easy to gulp down beverages that seem refreshing or indulgent without realizing how unhealthy they really are.
Today I’m taking a look at 10 beverages that can seriously mess with your health if you drink them regularly. Some you’ve probably heard are no-nos, while others might surprise you!
1. Fruit Juice
While it has some vitamins, fruit juice is very high in sugar and calories. Just one glass can contain as much sugar as several cookies!
The lack of fiber in juice means the sugars get absorbed really quickly too. Juice can also make you hungrier by spiking your blood sugar levels fast. It’s better to eat whole fruit instead.
2. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are designed for athletes doing intense exercise for over an hour. For everyone else, these drinks just deliver a bunch of unnecessary sugars, artificial colors, and salt.
The bright colors may look fun, but these beverages provide no real nutrition besides quick energy from sugars. Plain water is much better for basic hydration.
3. Fancy Coffees
Those yummy coffeehouse drinks like Frappuccinos and caramel macchiatos seem like a special treat. But they’re actually desserts in a cup!
Thanks to their piles of whipped cream, flavored syrups, and sugary toppings, a medium fancy coffee can pack over 500 calories. Unless it’s an occasional splurge, these sugary sips are terrible for your health.
4. Bottled Teas
Many bottled teas found in grocery stores sound healthy because they’re tea-based. But most are loaded with added sugars and have nearly as many calories as sodas!
Always check the labels, because brands like Snapple and Arizona can contain over 50 grams of sugar per bottle. That’s way more than the recommended daily amount!
5. Protein Shakes
For most people, protein shakes from powders or pre-made bottles have way more protein and calories than they actually need. Unless you’re a hardcore athlete or bodybuilder, you likely get enough protein from your normal diet.
Many shakes are also full of added sugars and unhealthy fats. They can contribute to weight gain when consumed in excess.
6. Milkshakes
It’s no secret that milkshakes from fast food joints are a calorie and sugar bomb. Packed with ice cream, flavored syrups, and whipped cream, even a small milkshake can have over 500 calories and 70 grams of sugar!
The thick, sugary drinks offer no real nutrition besides tons of saturated fat and empty calories.
7. Sweetened Alcohol Drinks
Cocktails, wine coolers, and hard seltzers with added fruit flavors may seem refreshing, but the extra sugars make them a very unhealthy choice. Just a couple of drinks can deliver as much sugar as several candy bars!
The liquid sugars also get absorbed rapidly, spiking your blood sugar. Over time, drinking these sweet beverages leads to weight gain.
8. Soda
We all know soda is terrible due to its high sugar and chemical content. But did you know that diet sodas made with artificial sweeteners aren’t much better? Studies show they may increase sugar cravings and raise diabetes risk.
Plus those fake sweeteners have some not-so-sweet potential side effects like headaches and disrupted gut health.
9. Packaged Smoothies
While smoothies can be very nutritious when made with whole ingredients, many store-bought varieties are basically desserts. Some brands pack over 70 grams of sugar into just one bottle or pouch!
They’re also often loaded with juice instead of real fruits and veggies. Unless portions are small, these smoothies deliver way too many liquid calories.
10. Energy Drinks
Popular with gamers and studying students, energy drinks seem to give a nice caffeine boost. But most are also loaded with excessive amounts of added sugars to amplify that rush.
Drinking multiple cans leads to a crazy amount of sugar and calorie overload! Energy drinks have also been linked to heart issues, headaches, and insomnia when abused.
Conclusion
The next time you grab a drink, take a closer look at what’s really in it. Many popular beverages contain surprising amounts of sugar, calories, and other unhealthy ingredients. By being more aware of what you’re sipping on, you can make smarter choices for your overall health and wellness.
10 Alcoholic Drinks That Are Surprisingly Healthy
