Manufacturers of so-called flavored water products waste no time luring young consumers in, making it seem “cool” to drink their colorful, sugar-laced drinks. These “functional waters” abound on the market, promoted to be fortified with vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, oxygen, fiber, and even protein. Add these to the already thriving soda and fitness drink category, and you get the sugar- and profit-rich picture.
But wouldn’t you want to know that these are not perfectly healthful water at all? They are a cocktail of toxic chemicals, featuring ingredients like:
- Fructose – a major factor in the obesity epidemic in the United States. It breaks down into a variety of toxins that can destroy your health.
- Aspartame – an artificial sweetener that hides behind brand names NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. It accounts for 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA.
- Sucralose – an artificial sweetener known as Splenda, and is linked to respiratory problems, seizures, migraines, GI issues, heart palpitations, weight gain, and many more.
- Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame-K) – an artificial sweetener associated with kidney tumors.
- Polysorbate 60 – an emulsifying agent rated as a moderate health concern by the EWG. It can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4 dioxane, which are two carcinogenic industrial pollutants.
- Food dyes – connected to a range of health concerns, including hyperactivity, allergic reactions, decreased IQ in children, and number cancer forms.
These are only a few offenders to watch out for in flavored water products – others include sucrose from corn syrup, calcium disodium EDTA, crystalline fructose, and so-called “natural flavors.”
Instead of buying and consuming these drinks masquerading as smart choices for your health, why not make pure, clear water your beverage of choice? You may drink water from a natural spring, which is considered the very best water there is.
To ensure that your drinking water is free of fluoride, toxins, and other contaminants found in municipal water supplies, you may use a water filter system at home, which is an inexpensive way to guarantee clean drinking water for the whole family. It is also best to use reusable glass water bottles, which are much more environment-friendly than those plastic bottles.
But you can still jazz up your water! Just make sure to avoid sugar and chemicals 100 percent. Here are some tips to flavor your water safely and naturally:
- Add fresh lemon or lime juice or peels to your water. Whole ginger root and slices of cucumber are also wonderful options. To sweeten your water, add natural stevia, an herb that has no hidden dangers and consequences to your health.
- Add a drop or two of natural peppermint extract or a few crushed mint leaves from your herb garden.
- Buy mint-flavored chlorophyll drops and add them to a glass of water. Chlorophyll may assist in flushing toxins out of your blood and improving your breath.
- Try coconut water if you want an electrolyte-type “sports drink.” It is a rich natural source of potassium and electrolytes – san additives and chemicals!
- Iced green tea will serve as a pick-me-up. It is high in antioxidant and contains a natural protein known as theanine, which mediates the adverse effects of caffeine in green tea.
- Juice fresh, organic vegetables! However, avoid adding fruits, since they have high sugar content when juiced. For a more refreshing treat, add a pinch of sea salt and some lemon juice.
Use only pure, clear, and safe water when following any of these tips. A drinking water filter is a good investment you can make at home – research on the best water filter for your budget, lifestyle, and needs. The quality of the water and beverage you quench yourself with matters greatly, so never neglect this aspect of health and wellness.
Genna Carrows is a food and beverage blogger who is passionate about natural health. She incorporates organic food principles in her cooking (minimally, to retain wholesome and raw properties of ingredients) and food preparations. She also reviews products for overall health, including water filter system and household care.
