Better than Water?

You have spent a long day outdoors and you feel very hot and dehydrated. You decide that you need something to cool you down.

So in order to quench your thirst what do you reach for, a bottle of water or something else to drink?

For some people, the obvious choice is a bottle of water as it is refreshing and healthy.  Not everyone though feels that a bottle of water is the best choice.  I have friends who swear that flavoured water is much better as it has a tangy flavour and that makes it more refreshing!

Better Nutritive Value?

Well although I agree that drinking flavoured water might be a tastier alternative to water, there is no doubt that there are some other factors to consider before making a decision of what to drink.

There is no question too that many flavoured water drinks have additives and preservatives.  The additions might change the flavour of the beverage but there might be other consequences.

Some beverages are classified as sports drinks as they contain the electrolytes sodium and potassium. The addition of sodium to sports drinks does have potential benefits.

Sodium-containing beverages can encourage fluid intake by driving the thirst mechanism. Sodium also increases fluid absorption and retention. Sports drinks may also help with salt replacement for athletes who are heavy or salty sweaters.

There is also the fact that sugar is often an ingredient as well whether natural or artificial and that can create other health concerns.  Too much sugar in any diet can put more pressure on the body.

Is all flavoured water a bad idea?

There are other cheaper and healthier alternatives to purchasing flavoured water.  You can make your own flavoured water!

For example you can make cranberry water and use it for a gentle, daily detoxification. All you need is to mix cranberry juice with water in a bottle.  At least this way you can control how much juice you want to add to your water.

You will also be able to ensure that the cranberry juice used is 100% and not an extract.

Another option is to add slices of lemon or lime to the water.  The addition of the lime provides a tartness that is refreshing and you are able to decide how much you want to adjust the taste of your water.

If you are not engaging in any strenuous exercise or sport then it is not necessary to drink sports drink.

So is water still the best option when you are thirsty? Drop me a line below!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer