10 Non-Carbonated Drinks for a Healthier You: Hydration and Beyond
When it comes to your overall health, hydration is vital. What you may not realize is that the type of fluids that you put into your body are just as important as making sure you're getting enough liquids each day. We understand that plain old water can get boring, but sugary sodas and fruit juices aren't the only options out there.
If you're thinking of sparkling waters and carbonated energy drinks, those are great alternatives, but they're best enjoyed in moderation. Too much carbonation can lead to bloating and gas. At the same time, the citric acid that gives these drinks their bite can actually erode the enamel on your teeth.
For today's healthful drinks, we're going to focus on non-carbonated beverages that are still hydrating and good for you.
Hydrating non-carbonated drinks to benefit your health
Coconut water
As a natural source of electrolytes, coconut water is one of the most hydrating drinks around. It's a great source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium while being low in calories and in sugar.
Coconut water is also a source of antioxidants which are beneficial for your overall health. Its natural sweetness and electrolytes make it the perfect source of hydration post-workout or on a hot summer day.
You can pick up some coconut water at your local health food store or supermarket. If you're feeling adventurous, don't be shy to try it straight from a coconut should you get the opportunity!
Herbal tea
There are endless varieties of herbal tea available, many of which boast some great health benefits. These caffeine-free varieties can be enjoyed hot or cold and are a flavorful alternative to sugary juices and sodas.
Some popular herbal teas that offer health benefits include ginseng tea for a great immune system boost, ginger tea to help with digestion, chamomile for relaxation, and hibiscus for its antioxidant-rich polyphenols that have been linked with improved heart health.
All of these are calorie and sugar-free. Try out a few different kinds to see which ones you like best!
Hot water with lemon
This is a simple but effective drink that offers some great health benefits in addition to getting you hydrated first thing in the morning. Hot water with lemon is a great way to start your day as the hot water aids in digestion while the lemon provides Vitamin C and antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation.
If you're feeling under the weather, this drink is also great for helping to boost your immune system. Additionally, the vitamin C can help relieve a sore throat and help you fight infection.
Vegetable juice
Like fruit juices, vegetable juices are a great way to get in your daily recommended servings of vegetables. However, they don't contain the same amount of sugar as their fruity counterparts.
In addition to being hydrating, vegetable juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good health. Some popular vegetable juices include beet juice for its high levels of nitrates, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure; carrot juice for its beta-carotene content that is beneficial for eye health; and cucumber juice for its anti-inflammatory properties.
You can make these yourself if you've got a juicer at home or try a few varieties from your local smoothie shop or health food store.
Green tea
Green tea is an excellent non-carbonated drink choice that offers a number of health benefits. In addition to being hydrating, green tea is loaded with antioxidants that can help improve your overall health.
Some of the key antioxidants found in green tea include catechins and polyphenols, which have been linked with decreased cancer risk, improved heart health, and reduced inflammation. Green tea is also a great source of caffeine if you're looking for a bit of a pick-me-up without the sugar crash that comes with energy drinks.
Since green tea does contain caffeine, it's still best to limit yourself to 1-2 cups a day. This way, you can enjoy the hydration and health benefits without aggravating your stomach with the diuretic properties.
Watermelon juice
Watermelon juice is a great hydrating drink choice that is also packed with nutrients. Like the fruit itself, watermelon juice is high in lycopene, an antioxidant linked with decreased cancer risk and improved heart health.
Not only is it a tasty source of hydration, but watermelon juice also contains potassium which can help to regulate blood pressure. Just make sure to read the ingredients for any added sugar if you're not making yours at home.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is another excellent choice for a hydrating and healthy drink. This juice is higher in antioxidants than most other fruit juices, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, which have been linked with improved reduced inflammation and heart health.
It can be an acquired taste as it is quite tart, but many people enjoy it for its health benefits. Like watermelon juice, be sure to watch out for added sugar in store-bought versions.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that's full of probiotics, making it great for gut health. It's also a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. While it is carbonated, it is actually naturally occurring through the fermentation process. However, you can allow it to flatten if you prefer non-carbonated drinks.
Is flat kombucha still good for you? The answer is a resounding yes! Flat kombucha still has all of the same nutritional components and health benefits as the bubbly kind. There are a number of different kombucha brands on the market today so look for those with little to no added sugars to get the most out of this healthy drink.
Fruit-infused waters
Fruit-infused waters are a great way to add flavor to your water without adding any calories or sugar. You can make these yourself by adding fresh fruits to a pitcher of water and letting them sit overnight in the fridge.
The hint of flavor helps to make water more appealing while imparting some added nutrients and antioxidants. Some great combinations to try include raspberry and lime, strawberry and basil, or even cucumber and mint.
Halfday Iced Tea
If you're looking for a non-carbonated drink with a bit of caffeine, Halfday tea tonics are a great choice. Compared to the classic canned and bottled iced teas on the market, Halfday isn't filled with preservatives, sugar, or any artificial flavors. Our iced teas are only 35-40 calories with 3-4g of natural sugar.
Not only do these iced teas taste great, but they're also great for your gut. Each can contains 8g of fiber and a healthy dose of prebiotics to keep the good bacteria in your gut happy and healthy. Now that you know that flat kombucha is still good for you, you can feed those probiotics with the prebiotics found in every can of Halfday, creating a healthy gut microbiome.
Hydrate yourself with any one of our delicious flavors, or get them all in our variety 12-pack.
There are plenty of great non-carbonated drinks out there that can help improve your overall health. Whether you're looking for something hydrating, antioxidant-rich, or gut-friendly, there's definitely a drink to fit the bill.
Hydrating yourself shouldn't have to be boring, but it doesn't need to be unhealthy either. So, next time you're looking for a refreshing drink to quench your thirst, ditch the sodas and sparkling waters, switch to one of these healthy non-carbonated alternatives instead. Your body will thank you!
