The Dangers of Soda + Some Healthy Drink Alternatives
It seems like there’s a new headline emerging every day about the harmful effects soda can have on the human body. It was only a few years ago when the New York Times uncovered that the largest-selling soda company was investing millions into a nonprofit that was publishing health information about weight management and obesity. According to the corporate-funded research, exercise was the key to managing a healthy weight. Poor diet, however, was not mentioned at all.
The Science Behind the Dangers
Shifting the attention away from diet has been a popular reaction by big soda companies to avoid discussing the numerous studies that have linked sugary drinks to weight gain and other health problems.
A recent study published by the health journal Stroke found that people who drank diet soda were at a higher risk for both stroke and dementia. People who drank diet soda on a daily basis were as much as three times more likely to develop these complications.
Adding to these risks, data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) has led researchers to believe that soda can also be harmful to your cognitive health. Soda consumption may be linked to poorer memory, brain atrophy and lower brain volume. Overall, soda consumption led to lower cognitive function.
Have a sweet tooth? Soda has been shown not to satisfy sweet cravings, but actually increase them. This could lead to even more unhealthy choices on top of the nearly 10 teaspoons of sugar found in just one can of soda.
Some Satisfying Alternatives
There’s no argument that water is the healthiest, low calorie drink you quench your thirst with. However, there are plenty of occasions when you just don’t want plain H2O. You need something with a little more flavor, texture or fizzle. Instead of reaching for a soda, try one of these tasty (and superfood-loaded) alternatives below.
Berry Smoothie
Not only are you satisfying your sweet tooth, but this smoothie is also chocked full of superfood ingredients like the Parker Natural’s Berry Green Superfood powder that contains antioxidants, vitamins, probiotics and minerals. Be sure to customize this smoothie with your favorite berries!
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries of your choice
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons Berry Green Superfood powder
Blend until smooth.
Fruit Infusions
If you have a hard time filling up on eight glasses of water each day, infusions are a convenient and easy solution. Slice up your favorite fruits and herbs, add them to a pitcher and let the drink infuse for a few hours.
Water Infusion Ideas:
- Strawberries and mint
- Cucumbers and lemon
- Watermelon and basil
- Blackberries and lime
Sparkling Water
When you’re craving something bubbly, make your own healthy carbonated drink! Add lime or lemon juice, fruit and 100% juice to sparkling water for a yummy drink that will also help curb cravings.
Sparkling Drink Ideas:
- Sparkling water, lemon juice and sliced strawberries
- Sparkling water, lime and 100% grapefruit juice
- Sparkling water and 100% pomegranate juice
These soda alternatives will help you stay healthy even when you are craving some sugar. If you feel like you could use a health boost, serve up a fresh smoothie with Parker Natural’s Berry Green Superfood powder. This smoothie is also a great breakfast or lunch meal on the go. Meanwhile, sparkling drinks and fruit infusions can help keep you full and hydrated between meals. Experiment with each of these drinks to find your favorite combination!
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20138901
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666311002649?via%3Dihub
Parker Naturals
Parker NaturalsParker Naturals strives to take every step necessary to keep our customers smiling and helping them achieve vibrant health! This includes, but is not limited to, starting right by providing you with nothing but pure ingredients that are free of harmful contaminants.
Our premium supplements contain absolutely zero fillers, binders, or additives and are proudly developed and manufactured in the U.S.A. in world-class FDA-approved facilities. Our customers’ health and safety are our top priority. Quality is more than a word. It’s something we prove to you every day!
Comments