Eating habits are a significant factor that can influence health. Just like harmful foods, certain beverages can increase the risk of illness or early death when consumed excessively.
Nutrition expert Roxana Ehsani from Miami, Florida states: “Staying adequately hydrated each day is essential for our health and well-being.”
According to information from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, drinking enough water not only helps your body regulate temperature on hot days, improves sleep quality and mood, but also aids in transporting nutrients to cells (keeping the body healthy). However, not all beverages are good for health.
Expert Ehsani adds: “Every type of drink can have different ingredient compositions. Some beverages may contain high amounts of sugar, sodium, caffeine, or alcohol, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases and affect overall health.”
Below, the expert highlights five “bad” beverages for health, some of which are favorites enjoyed by many people regularly.
Soda
It is undeniable that a cold can of soda on a summer day can quench thirst and enhance the eating experience, but it is one of the unhealthiest drinks for health.
Expert Ehsani states: “A 355ml can of soda contains 155 calories, with 147 calories coming from sugar, equivalent to nearly 9 teaspoons of sugar.”
“Drinking soda not only harms oral health but also increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gout, and even raises the risk of early death. Therefore, soda is not good for health at all.”
Alcoholic Beverages
Relaxing after a long day with a glass of wine or a few beers is not beneficial for your body.
Expert Ehsani says: “Regularly consuming alcohol over a long time can seriously deteriorate a person’s health. Alcohol consumption affects the entire body, impairing the immune system, damaging vital organs including the brain, cardiovascular system, and liver. Additionally, alcohol can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.”
Sweetened Coffee
Many people love drinks like mocha lattes and Frappuccinos, which often contain high amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Expert Ehsani mentions: “These types of coffee often have syrups like caramel and chocolate (which contain sugar) added, and then topped with whipped cream. Whipped creams usually contain saturated fats, which can be harmful to heart health if consumed excessively.”
“Some of these drinks can even contain calories equivalent to a meal. For instance, a caramel Frappuccino can have up to 470 calories, 60 grams of sugar, and 22 grams of fat. Therefore, it’s best to avoid consuming coffee with heavy whipped cream or excessive sugar too frequently.”
Bottled Fruit Juices or Smoothies
Although fruit juice can be made from fruits, that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
Nutrition expert Anya Rosen states: “Canned fruit juices not only strip away fiber but also have added sugars, which can spike blood sugar levels.”
Additionally, bottled smoothies can also negatively impact health as they often contain high amounts of sugar.
Nutrition expert Ginger Hultin, from Seattle, Washington, advises: “When choosing bottled juice or smoothie products, you should read the ingredient label to select ones with less added sugar.”
Boba Milk Tea
Boba milk tea is a favorite drink among many, especially the youth. However, people should be cautious about the sugar content in this drink as it may increase the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
“Boba milk tea is indeed considered a sugary drink. Studies have shown that a cup of boba milk tea (approximately 473ml) can contain sugar levels exceeding the recommended daily limit for added sugars,” says expert Hultin.
Expert Hultin also advises against consuming this drink too frequently. If consumed, individuals should request a no-sugar version or reduce the added sugar by 50-75% in their boba milk tea.
