Many of us don’t realize the negative impact that our everyday drinks can have on our health. Tasty beverages like juices, sodas, and alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar, calories, and chemicals that can harm our bodies in the long run.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 30 common drinks that pose a threat to our health and well-being.
1. Soda
Soda is undoubtedly one of the unhealthiest drinks on this list. A typical can of soda can contain up to 10 teaspoons of sugar, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, cavities, and other health problems.
Rather than soda, try drinking water or homemade fruit juices.
2. Energy Drinks
Energy drinks may give you a temporary boost of energy, but they can also cause serious health problems. They contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can cause heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and dehydration.
If you need an energy boost, try drinking black coffee or tea instead.
3. Frappuccinos
While they may be delicious, coffee-based frappuccinos from Starbucks and other coffee shops can be loaded with sugar and calories. A typical frappuccino contains anywhere from 300-600 calories, which is more than many fast food meals.
4. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade are marketed as healthy drinks to help replenish electrolytes after a workout. However, they are often packed with sugar and artificial ingredients.
If you need to rehydrate after a workout, try drinking coconut water or making your own sports drink with natural ingredients.
5. Sweetened Iced Tea
Tea is a healthy drink choice, but sweetened iced tea can be a different story. Store-bought iced teas can contain as much as 20 teaspoons of sugar per serving, making them a major contributor to obesity and diabetes.
Instead, try making your own iced tea with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
6. Milkshakes
Milkshakes may be a tempting treat, but they are extremely high in sugar, fat, and calories. A typical milkshake can contain up to 1000 calories, which is more than many people should consume in an entire day.
7. Flavored Water
Flavored waters may seem like a healthy alternative to soda, but they often contain just as much sugar and chemical additives. Rather than flavored water, try drinking plain water or adding natural flavors such as lemon or cucumber.
8. Juice Cocktails
Juice cocktails are a popular beverage choice at many restaurants and bars, but they are often loaded with sugar and artificial colors.
Instead of juice cocktails, try drinking freshly squeezed juice or making your own cocktails with natural ingredients.
9. Lemonade
While it may be refreshing on a hot summer day, lemonade is usually made with lots of sugar and can contain up to 30 grams of sugar per serving. To make a healthier version of lemonade, try using natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
10. Smoothies
Smoothies can be a healthy drink choice when made with natural ingredients, but store-bought smoothies are often packed with sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
If you like smoothies, try making your own at home with fresh fruits and vegetables.
11. Diet Soda
Diet soda may seem like a healthier alternative to regular soda, but it can actually be just as harmful to your health. Diet soda contains artificial sweeteners that have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
12. Beer
Beer is a popular drink choice, but it contains empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. If you choose to drink beer, do so in moderation and opt for lighter beers with lower alcohol content.
13. Cocktails
Cocktails can be some of the unhealthiest drinks on this list, as they often contain high levels of sugar, alcohol, and artificial colors. Be mindful of what you’re drinking and opt for cocktails made with natural ingredients and low levels of sugar.
14. Milk-Based Drinks
Milk-based drinks like lattes and hot chocolate can be a comforting treat, but they are often high in calories, sugar, and fat. If you like milk-based drinks, try using low-fat milk or plant-based milks like almond or coconut.
15. Sweet Wines
Sweet wines like moscato and port can be a tasty dessert, but they are high in sugar and calories. Opt for dry wines instead, which have lower levels of sugar and are often a healthier choice.
16. Hot Apple Cider
Hot apple cider is a fall favorite, but it often contains lots of added sugar. Try making your own cider with natural sweeteners like cinnamon and honey, or opt for a sugar-free version.
17. Sweetened Coconut Water
Coconut water is a popular drink choice for its natural electrolytes, but sweetened versions are often packed with sugar. Opt for plain coconut water, or make your own version with natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
18. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk may be a tasty beverage choice, but it is often high in sugar and calories. If you like chocolate milk, try using unsweetened cocoa powder and natural sweeteners like honey to make your own version.
19. Punch
Punch may be a popular drink choice for parties, but it often contains high levels of sugar and artificial colors. Opt for natural fruit punches made with fresh ingredients, or try making your own punch with natural sweeteners like honey and stevia.
20. Flavored Vodka
Flavored vodkas may be a fun drink choice, but they often contain high levels of sugar and artificial flavors. Opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients, or try using plain vodka with natural flavorings like herbs or fruit.
21. Margaritas
Margaritas are a popular drink choice, but they typically contain high levels of sugar and alcohol. Opt for natural margaritas made with fresh ingredients, or try using low-sugar alternatives like agave nectar or honey.
22. Milk-Based Liqueurs
Milk-based liqueurs like Baileys Irish Cream can be a delicious treat, but they are often high in calories and sugar. Opt for drinks made with natural ingredients, or try using low-fat milk or plant-based milks.
23. Sweetened Iced Coffee
Iced coffee can be a refreshing drink choice, but it is often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Opt for natural iced coffee made with freshly brewed coffee and natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
24. Vodka Red Bull
Vodka Red Bulls are a popular drink choice, but they can be extremely harmful to your health. Energy drinks like Red Bull contain high levels of caffeine, which can cause heart palpitations and other health problems.
25. Cappuccino
Cappuccinos may be a tasty treat, but they are often high in calories and sugar. Opt for low-fat milk or plant-based milks, and use natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar to create a healthier version of this classic drink.
26. Sweet Tea
Sweet tea may be a southern classic, but it is loaded with sugar and calories. Opt for natural iced tea made with fresh ingredients, or try making your own sweet tea with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
27. Rum and Coke
Rum and Coke is a popular drink choice, but it is high in sugar and calories. Opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients, or try using low-sugar alternatives like natural fruit juices and coconut water.
28. Lemon-Lime Soda
Lemon-lime soda may seem like a healthy alternative to other sodas, but it is still loaded with sugar and artificial flavors. Opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients, or try making your own soda with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
29. Chocolate Milkshakes
Chocolate milkshakes may be a tempting treat, but they are extremely high in sugar, fat, and calories.
Opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients, or try making your own version with unsweetened cocoa powder and natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar.
30. Daiquiris
Daiquiris may be a fun drink choice, but they are often high in sugar and alcohol. Opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients, or try using low-sugar alternatives like natural fruit juices and coconut water.
Conclusion
Many of the drinks on this list are high in sugar, calories, and artificial additives that can harm our health in the long run.
Rather than consuming these drinks on a regular basis, opt for natural drinks made with fresh ingredients and natural sweeteners. By making healthier drink choices, you can improve your overall health and well-being.