Swoosh, Sizzle, Pop…..But is that sound worth the cost of your life?
That fizzy sound may evoke your senses soon after you take the first fizzy, bubbly sip from a soda can. However, it comes along with a cocktail of serious health risks due to its high content of sugar, caffeine and artificial ingredients. The only way to stay away from such harms is opting healthy soda alternatives.
It is proven in countless studies that dental issues, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases and even cancer can be a cause of soda consumption. It’s high time to think of quitting these fizzy habits from your lifestyle and find healthy soda alternatives to quench your thirst and satisfy both your soul and taste buds.
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As per the AHA, it is recommended to have a daily sugar limit of 25 grams for women while 36 grams is suggested for men.
Need inspiration to eliminate it from your life? You may find numerous flavorful, healthier substitutes of sparkling drink from kombucha to sparkling seltzers, offering you the fizz you crave for. So why stick to soda when you are just a sip away from these healthy options? Give them a try with us!
15 Healthy and Refreshing Alternatives to Soda
Switching to a healthier plus flavorful substitute of carbonated beverage is a smart move. If you are seeking out an option to get rid of this unhealthy soda consumption, then we have 15 healthy alternatives for you. Read on to pick your favorite and suitable options!
Herbal Teas
Herbal tea is made from tisanes(infused dried fruits, spices or herbs in water) having medicinal properties. Chamomile or peppermint are some of the few forms of herbal teas which are perfect replacements of carbonated sodas, as they are caffeine-free and contain antioxidants.
However, chamomile calms the mind along with other numerous benefits for your health as per a research study. Whereas, peppermint helps you in digestion.
Flavored Water
Flavored water makes your hydration more exciting and enjoyable by adding fresh fruit slices or herbs in simple water. One of the popular combinations are Lemon-mint water or strawberry basil infusion.
Kombucha
A sweet, fermented tea with probiotic benefits and refreshing fizz. It promotes your gut health and comes in a variety of flavors; fruity and spiced which helps in satisfying your craving.
It has many benefits, despite containing probiotics. Therefore, Kombucha helps in controlling diabetes.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water has no added sugars but gives a fizzy sensation by satisfying your need. It is a good substitute for soft drink that has natural fruity flavors. LaCroix, Perrier, and San Pellegrino are some of the famous brands.
Kefir
Kefir has a mild tangy taste and has both flavored and plain varieties. It is basically a plant-based or fermented drink with a richness of nutrients and probiotics.
Coconut Water
Coconut water has hydrating properties and has a milder sweetness that quenches your thirst soon after a work-out. It serves to be a natural source of electrolytes and potassium which is beneficial for your body.
Carbonated Mineral Water
Carbonated mineral water is rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium with bubbles and fizz. It’s a perfect alternative for the lovers of soda.
Probiotic Drinks
Probiotic drinks have a light carbonation and support digestive health. Drinks like kvass or yogurt-based beverages are some of a few examples of these.
Naturally Flavored Seltzers
Flavored seltzer comes with natural fruit extracts giving you a fizzy taste having no sugar and calories. Spindrift is one of the famous brands in making fruity and flavorful sodas.
Plant-Based Drinks
Plant-based drinks can be used in smoothies or as a base for latte. These drinks are like oat, almond or soy milk which have high nutritional values in the categories of beverages.
Ginger Ale Alternatives
The high-fructose corn syrup is present in carbonated drinks which excites you to have it, but here is something for you that will give the same zing. And that is, ginger ale with an infusion of fresh ginger, sparkling water and a lemon.
Wild-Wonder Sparkling Probiotic Juice
If you are looking into an alternative of carbonated drinks then wild-wonder offers you a bubbly drink with a combination of both fruity flavors and probiotics. It helps you to get rid of the sugary drinks.
Low-Sugar Flavored Drinks
These drinks have very low sugar content, such as lightly sweetened flavored waters or iced teas. These will ease you in eliminating soda from your life.
Why are Fizzy Drinks so Addictive?
Let’s find out the reasons behind it;
- Sugar Cravings: Soda contains a lot of sugar that when consumed, releases a pleasure hormone named as dopamine and creates feelings of euphoria. This makes you addicted to it and you start craving for it more. It is proven through research that sugar can be more addictive than cocaine, if not taken in a limited amount.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can be very addictive as it gives a quick boost but if it’s withdrawn, it causes you fatigue and headaches. It’s better not to consume it and become dependent on it.
- The Bubble Factor: Carbonation increases your craving for a soda. Because it has fizzy bubbles popping up with a mix of sugar that heightens euphoric sensations in you. This makes it addictive and they want to drink it again to fulfill their satisfaction.
Why should you find Sparkling Drink Options?
Soda does damage to your health and risks your life with its consumption. It can be easier to opt for soda’s substitute if you realize the toxicity it brings to your health. Here you’ll find some of the reasons for choosing these healthy soda alternatives. As it may cause:
- Weight Gain: Carbonated soda leads to weight gain and obesity due to its high sugar content with extra calories providing no nutritional values at all.
- Risk of Diabetes: The sugary fizzy drinks spikes up the blood glucose levels, contributing to Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. This happens because of the heavy amount of sugar in soda.
- Dental Health: The fizzy soda comes with acidity and sugar which damages your dental health by wearing down the enamel present in your teeth. Soft drinks often lead to tooth decay and cavities.
- Bone Health: Phosphoric acid is also present in carbonated beverages which weakens your bones by absorbing calcium out of your bones with the passage of time.
- Caffeine Dependency: The soft drink makes you dependent on it as it contains caffeine in it, which makes it very difficult for you to function when it’s not there. It is really important to switch yourself towards caffeine-free options and curb this kind of dependency.
Conclusion
Choosing and swapping soda with healthier alternatives is an investment for your wellness. Initially, it may seem challenging but it gets better with time, you and your taste buds adjust with it. It helps in making you feel more fit, energized and enjoy better digestion.
Have a small start and explore new favorites, you won’t regret or miss the fizzy, sparkling soda at all. Your body and future self will thank you for sure!
