Saturday, June 28, 2008

Flavored water - as bad for you as soda pop

By now everyone knows that bodies need hydration. And almost everyone knows they need water - not just anything that's liquid. But some have not developed a taste for plain water.

Smart manufacturers know that, so they sell pop under a different name: Flavored water.

This is not good news for people who are trying to boost their health by drinking water. Most of that flavored water is either just full of sugar as a can of pop, or full of artificial sweeteners, which carry their own health hazards. Either way, they're NOT good for your body.

If you are among those who don't enjoy the taste of water, try one of these solutions:

Freeze ice cubes with 100%, all-natural fruit juice and add to your water for a little flavor.

Squeeze lemon, or grapefruit into your water for zest.If you must have sweetness, add just a touch of sugar or stevia.

Drink green tea.

Add just a dash of cranberry juice for a touch of sweetness.

Add some crushed mint, lime and stevia.

One of the side effects of flavored water is weight gain. Many manufacturers flavor their water with fructose or High Fructose Corn Syrup--both of which are dangerous to your health.

Moreover, in a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, (June 2004, 2963-72) researchers found that fructose affects the hormones involved in appetite regulation.

A drink high in fructose caused low levels of the hormone leptin, which lets you know that you have eaten enough, and causes high levels of ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates eating.

The bottom line: Flavored water can make you fat and sickly.

Drink real water - feel good!

Marte

No comments: