6 alternatives to soda that are better for your health
- High-sugar, high-caffeine soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi may lead to obesity, diabetes and cavities
- They have no nutritional value and can cause dehydration
Reaching for a Coca-Cola or 7-Up is tempting when the temperature rises, but the amount of sugar these soft drinks contain wreak havoc on your teeth and insides. The cost also adds up.
Ditch the soda for some fruit- and herb-infused drinks that not only look amazing but pack a punch of health benefits.
Start off by filling a pitcher or a one-litre water bottle with water. Then add slices of fresh fruits and herbs to make your customised drink. (Go easy on the herbs as they can have a very strong flavour.) Chill in the fridge, and you’re good to go!
While these drinks can generally last for up to three days in the fridge, it does depend on what ingredients you use. Orange, lime, lemon and cucumber stay fresh longer, while berries will start to go bad within two days.
If you finish your drink in one sitting, you can always add more water to make the fruits and herbs go further. Watch out, though, as citric fruits such as grapefruit and yuzu might start to taste bitter if left in the water for too long.
Check out these easy, two-ingredient combinations that will help to beat the heat.
Blueberry orange
You’ll need:
