What Beverages to Drink to Be Healthy

11 February 2010

Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are popular beverages and can be beneficial if drunk in moderation. Cold beverages like fruit juices, fruit drinks and carbonated soft drinks are also favourite beverages, especially among children. Lower sugar or diet alternative drinks have artificial sweeteners that reduce their calorie values.

Nutritional content

Cocoa and hot chocolate contain a trace of fibre, but tea and coffee have none as well as a minimal vitamin content. Coffee, cocoa and tea (especially green tea) contain amounts of antioxidants which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

Caffeine

Caffeine acts as a stimulant and can be addictive. A small amount is a good 'wake-up', but too much causes rapid heart action and may be harmful. It is healthiest to limit daily intake of coffee and tea to 2-3 cups.

Low or no caffeine

Reduce your caffeine intake by switching to naturally caffeine-free herbal or fruit teas or substituting decaffeinated coffee and tea. Always check food labels for caffeine content - some is lost in the roasting process, so high-roast coffee beans are lower in caffeine than medium-roast.

Cordials

Cordials, fruit squashes and carbonated drinks may contain additives, some natural and some artificial. Lower sugar or diet alternatives have artificial sweeteners that reduce their calorie values.