Drinking flavoured water seems to be THE thing. Everyone’s talking about how healthy and refreshing it is and how you this elixir can help you lose weight and flush out toxins like a boss. But on a more serious note, why should we choose these kiwi, apple, strawberry and other fruit infusions over regular water? Is it really a magic potion as advertisements promise it to be? We asked an expert to clear the air (or, water, as it were) and you might want to take notes.
How it changes your drink
“The flavour in these waters is basically nothing but sugar that is harmful for health. WHO has prescribed 25 grams of sugar in a day for normal consumption but drinking flavoured water will certainly add to your daily sugar intake,” explains Dr Suvarna Pathak, dietician and nutritionist, Nanavati Speciality Hospital, Mumbai. Essentially, flavoured water increases the empty calories in the body and results in weight gain, and not liss. Also, most of the flavours are artificially made and full of additives, which cause trouble in the gut lining which can have side effects like diarrhoea or indigestion.
Better alternatives
“If you are too thirsty and want to treat yourself to something cold and refreshing, have a glass of nimbu paani or fresh lime water, which will increase the load of Vitamin C in your body and make you feel energised. Lime, orange or watermelon juice are also great options,” says Dr Suvarna
On the other hand, more natural, home-made water infusions like cucumber, mint leaves and lime slices are healthy. “Water infusions are good as they add natural flavour to water but that too needs to be replenished after 12-15 hours. You cannot keep them in water for more than that period as they become redundant,” says Dr Suvarna.
So the next time you’re look at that trendy brand of flavoured water, remember that it’s probably sugar central. Your stomach will thank you!
