Spring Break
Get the facts about your favorite drinks
Issue date: 7/8/07 Section: FYI
(ARA) - It's a simple fact. As the weather heats up, your thirst for fun, refreshing drinks increases. We all know it's important to stay hydrated, especially when we're outside working or enjoying ourselves under the hot sun. But with so many choices and so much news swirling around about what's safe and what's healthy, choosing the right beverages for you and your family's lifestyle can seem complicated.
"There's a lot of inaccurate information out there about beverages and the role they play in overall health and well being," says registered dietician and nutrition-culinary expert Kim Galeaz. "It's important for people to have the facts so they can make informed choices."
Here are five common beverage myths that you may have heard. Quench your thirst for knowledge and you'll find that you have even more healthy options for refreshment and enjoyment.
1. MYTH: Only water hydrates. Contrary to popular belief, water isn't the only beverage that hydrates. In fact, most beverages, including soft drinks, tea, coffee, sports drinks and milk are at least 85 percent water. And that Diet Coke you enjoy in the afternoon? It's more than 99 percent water!
Choose beverages that you enjoy. Several studies show that children and adults consume about 45 to 50 percent more liquid when it's flavored versus plain water.
2. MYTH: Caffeine dehydrates. While caffeine can have a mild, short-term diuretic effect in individuals who don't normally consume caffeine, studies have shown that this is not the case for people who regularly consume caffeine. In fact, a report on water needs released in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine found that all beverages, including those with caffeine, contribute to hydration needs.
Enjoy your morning coffee. Moderate caffeine consumption for adults -- the amount contained in 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 5 to 6 cans of caffeinated soft drinks -- has not been associated with adverse health effects or dehydration.
"There's a lot of inaccurate information out there about beverages and the role they play in overall health and well being," says registered dietician and nutrition-culinary expert Kim Galeaz. "It's important for people to have the facts so they can make informed choices."
Here are five common beverage myths that you may have heard. Quench your thirst for knowledge and you'll find that you have even more healthy options for refreshment and enjoyment.
1. MYTH: Only water hydrates. Contrary to popular belief, water isn't the only beverage that hydrates. In fact, most beverages, including soft drinks, tea, coffee, sports drinks and milk are at least 85 percent water. And that Diet Coke you enjoy in the afternoon? It's more than 99 percent water!
Choose beverages that you enjoy. Several studies show that children and adults consume about 45 to 50 percent more liquid when it's flavored versus plain water.
2. MYTH: Caffeine dehydrates. While caffeine can have a mild, short-term diuretic effect in individuals who don't normally consume caffeine, studies have shown that this is not the case for people who regularly consume caffeine. In fact, a report on water needs released in 2004 by the Institute of Medicine found that all beverages, including those with caffeine, contribute to hydration needs.
Enjoy your morning coffee. Moderate caffeine consumption for adults -- the amount contained in 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 5 to 6 cans of caffeinated soft drinks -- has not been associated with adverse health effects or dehydration.
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