7 Popular Drinks That Can Derail Your Health Journey

Energy Drinks

There's a reason why the UK proposed a ban on energy drinks for those who are under the age of 16. They are loaded with caffeine and taurine, which can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Because it's a sweet drink, the taste can trick you into overconsumption, leaving you dehydrated, especially when paired with alcohol. Some of the other risks include abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and mood swings.

Bubble Tea

This trendy drink, unfortunately, has some downsides when consumed excessively and is best avoided on your health journey. It's high in calories due to the combination of sweetened tea, milk, and tapioca pearls,and it contains 7 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. The tapioca pearls can also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and constipation, as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

Sweet Cocktails

Sweet cocktails like margaritas and frozen daiquiris are very deceptive, as they can be refreshing on a hot day. However, a classic margarita can account for over 70% of your daily sugar intake. A good trick that the study suggests (and also something my dietician recommends) is drinking a glass of water for each cocktail. This helps keep you hydrated.

"Your body is mainly made up of water, so staying hydrated is essential, especially with the extra sweating that happens in the summer," says Donna Callander, personal trainer and director of Offbeat Marketing. "While everything is fine in moderation or as an occasional treat, it’s important to be mindful of the hidden calories, sugars, and salts in what you consume.”

Lemonade

It's probably no surprise that lemonade was voted as most people's favorite summertime drink. But as popular as it is, we may forget about the sugar and acidity that it has and this blend can have negative affects on our health and teeth. It can spike blood sugar levels and erode tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.

"Your body is mainly made up of water, so staying hydrated is essential, especially with the extra sweating that happens in the summer. While everything is fine in moderation or as an occasional treat, it’s important to be mindful of the hidden calories, sugars, and salts in what you consume.”

Smoothies

I know what you're thinking: aren't smoothies healthy? They can be, but they are also often packed with sugar. The fruits and vegetables that are used in smoothies are good for you, but it's all about moderation. When fruit is blended, it breaks down its cell walls and releases natural sugars as free sugars that are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Frozen Coffee

I'm a sucker for a Frappuccino, but with all the whipped cream and syrups inside, it's essentially a sugar bomb. Drinking frozen coffee and Frappuccinos can lead to weight gain and possible health problems like type 2 diabetes. While the National Health Service (NHS) says adults should consume a maximum of 30g of sugar daily, some of our favorite coffee shops' drinks, like a Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino with semi-skimmed milk, have a staggering 48.5g of sugar.

Soda

The high sugar and caffeine in sodas can lead to dehydration, which is the last thing you want on a hot summer day. A typical can have around 39g of sugar, which is about nine teaspoons, and this excess sugar forces your kidneys to work harder to process it, leading to increased urination and subsequent fluid loss. If you're craving a fizzy drink, try unsweetened sparkling water instead. Unsweetened sparkling water and fruit-infused water help improve digestion and constipation.

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