Wellness Wednesdays: How everyday beverages are hurting your heart
From energy drinks to sugar-packed sodas, coffee to sports drinks, there are an endless amount of beverage options on the market. But over the years, manufacturers have developed different ways to appeal to its consumers and beverage options have only gotten more and more abundant. It’s a trend that has become a concern for both parents and health professionals alike.
“When I was growing up, there were limited options to quench your thirst. Especially for kids, but even for adults, there were only a few choices,” explains Dr. Karen Latimer to AOL Lifestyle. “From a health standpoint, it is important to pay particular attention to what we drink.”
Because of the calories, amount of sugar and low nutritional value, the ingredients included in these beverages have been found to be “sneaky bad” for our bodies, working against weight loss, shrinking our immune system and even harming our hearts. The list can go on.
Consumers should be extra vigilant about which types of drinks they're putting in their bodies and its effects. For example, while studies have found that one to two cups of coffee a day may be beneficial for your heart, adding in cream and sugar can easily negate the positive effects of the drink.
As for energy drinks, which may seem like a convenient pick-me-up for consumers, its effect on blood pressure, blood vessel function and irregular heartbeat make it a dangerous drink of choice.
“When you’re at the store, standing in front of the refrigerator, paralyzed by the many choices including those claiming to be good for you, read the labels,” Latimer concludes. “Quenching your thirst with water is definitely kinder to your heart. Think before you drink.”
Watch the video above to learn more about how these popular beverages may be detrimental to your heart.
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