Water is vital for human function, even more so than food. As a general rule of thumb, a human can survive 30 days without food before succumbing to starvation, but the same human will only survive for 3 days without water. Why is it so important? Water makes up 70% of our blood. It uses water to carry oxygen throughout the body. Cells die without it, and when cells die, organs stop working. Water is a big part of the immune and digestive systems, too. Without water, digestion and waste removal would stop. Along with that, you can say good-bye to the nervous system. Well, let's just say that all hell breaks loose in your body.In this Summer heat wave, it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. CNN stated that there are more heat related deaths each year than any single natural disaster on average in the U.S.
Each restaurant chain and coffee house seems to have their own way of cooling you off. Smoothies, shakes, and iced coffees are everywhere! While these drinks may feel like a great way to cool down, the truth isn't always as sweet. You have undoubtedly seen the commercials: people having fun, enjoying the beach, bright colors and music, refreshing fruit. This is a parlor trick. These companies learned a thing or two from Houdini, and now they distract customers from what they are really consuming. When all your body wants and needs is water, McDonald's and friends are giving you this:
(All drinks are medium sized.)
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| Caramel and Mocha Frappe Sugar 71g Calories 550 |
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Mango Pineapple Smoothie Sugar 60g Calories 270 |
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Strawberry Banana Smoothie Sugars 54g Calories 260 |
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Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino with no whip cream Sugar 57g, Calories 406 |
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Caramel Macchiato w/nonfat milk Sugar 35g Calories 224 |
We would like to hear what your favorite cold drinks are! Please leave a comment especially if you have any questions about what you've been drinking.
Written by Joann Agoglia
Edited by Robert Marshall
How bout sports drinks??
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading our article and posting a comment. In our first installment of Sugar Daddy I showed how much sugar was in a medium size bottle of Gatorade. Pretty shocking. Though a sports drink may hydrate, the amount of sugar inside the sports drink is unnecessary and unhealthy. If you let us know what your favorite sports drink is, Sugar Daddy can show you what it looks like with sugar cubes.
ReplyDeleteI like Crystal Lite.
ReplyDeleteHey, Sam! Do you drink Crystal Lite to make sure you're getting enough water each day?
ReplyDeleteI do not endorse Crystal Lite mainly because their label is misleading. They are described as sugar free, but the ingredients say otherwise:
CITRIC ACID, MALTODEXTRIN, INSTANT TEA, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, ASPARTAME, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL FLAVOR, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM, RED 40 LAKE, RED 40, YELLOW 6 LAKE, YELLOW 5, BLUE 1 LAKE, BHA (PRESERVES FRESHNESS).
The bold ingredients are processed sugar. Plain and simple. You can refer to our article "Dextran, Maltose, Turbinado, Galactose, and Sorbitol" Could these be the new Transformers? to learn more about the alternative names for sugar. The italicized ingredient is an artificial sweetener with a dodgy past in human health.
We would love to find an alternative for you, Sam. Please let us know your favorite flavor is.
How about flavored waters?
ReplyDeleteHi Brian!
ReplyDeleteWhat would you call a flavored water? Most drinks are water mixed with flavorings (soda, gatorade, etc).
The real question is what is inside your drink? Flip it over and check out the ingredients. Let us know what you are drinking, and we'll look for healthy alternatives for you!
I'm a fan of good 'ol home brewed iced tea! Nothin's better than some antioxidants with your water! A little caffeine shouldn't hurt ya, but if you're still worried about it, opt for the decaf variety or herbals!
ReplyDelete