While it’s often food that gets villainized as being unhealthy, many people tend to overlook how much beverages can contribute to an unhealthy diet.

Some drinks are packed with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other unhealthy additives that sabotage our health. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common beverages that can have negative effects on your health.

Soda

Soda is perhaps one of the most notorious beverages when it comes to its negative impact on health. With an average 12-ounce can containing nearly 40 grams of sugar, soda is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

It’s also highly acidic, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to dental problems over time.

Fruit Juice

It’s easy to assume that fruit juice is healthy because it’s made from fruit, but that’s not always the case. Many fruit juices have added sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Even 100% fruit juice can be problematic because it’s often stripped of its fiber, which is essential for slowing down the absorption of sugar in the body. This can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and potentially lead to insulin resistance over time.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are marketed as a way to boost energy and improve focus, but they often contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that can be dangerous to health.

Drinking too many energy drinks can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and even seizures in some cases.

Flavored Water

Many people opt for flavored water as a healthier alternative to soda or juice, but some flavored waters are just as sugary or contain artificial sweeteners instead of real fruit.

Check the labels carefully before opting for a flavored water, and consider adding fresh fruit to plain water instead for a healthier option.

Sweetened Tea

Tea can be a healthy beverage with numerous benefits, but sweetened tea is a different story. Many sweetened teas contain as much if not more sugar than soda.

While it may seem like a healthier option because it’s tea, it can still be a significant contributor to weight gain and other health problems.

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Sports Drinks

While sports drinks are marketed as a way to replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, they can also be packed with sugar and artificial additives.

If you’re not engaging in extended or intense physical activity, you’re likely better off sticking with plain water to hydrate.

Alcohol

While some types of alcohol, like red wine, can be beneficial in moderation, consuming too much alcohol can have serious negative health effects. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.

It also puts a strain on the liver and can increase the risk of liver disease, among other health problems.

Coffee Drinks

Many coffee drinks, particularly those that are ordered at coffee chains, can be loaded with sugar and other unhealthy additives.

A simple cup of coffee can be a relatively healthy beverage option, but more complex drinks like frappuccinos or mochas can contain upwards of 50 grams of sugar per serving.

Bottled Smoothies

Like fruit juice, it’s easy to assume that bottled smoothies are a healthy option because they contain fruit. However, the amount of sugar in some bottled smoothies can be staggering.

It’s often better to make your own smoothies at home with real fruit and little or no added sugar.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes are a sweet treat that should be enjoyed in moderation, but many people consume them as a regular beverage. Milkshakes are packed with sugar and calories, and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems over time.