The other day I was talking to a colleague, actually, I was commenting on his habit of gulping down soft drinks and informing him politely that he is ruining his health. You know what he answered? He told me he doesn’t like the flavour of water, he is simply incapable of drinking plain water and needs something mix in it, I was perplexed. I mean we all are aware that an adult body is about 60% water, also, that, drinking water is crucial to keep our body functions well maintained. The average recommendation for water to be consumed a day is at least 2 litres, which increases depending upon your lifestyle and activeness. I was under the impression that the main challenge was getting enough water in you, I never thought that water’s flavour can pose a challenge, but it does not just for my colleague but for many others out there. The manufacturers of the world came with the solution – Flavoured Water.
And what is flavoured water, water that has been given a flavour by adding some ingredients, mostly it is supposed to be and advertised as some fruits or herb flavour like lime, lemon, mint, rose, peach, mango, basil, oranges, I have even tried a passion fruit flavoured water. So pretty much any flavour that you want, and I’ll be honest with you guys, from time to time even I have relished sipping some of them down.
Now, as to the BIG question, is it good for health, can it actually replace plain water? Hmm, tough one, that’s because it mostly depends on the make of it. If you made it at home by just adding some fruit or herbs to your water and refrigerated it, then yes, it is perfectly ok for you to enjoy it, along with the water it will also give you some vitamins, calories derived from the fruits. So, in simple words, it would be good for health as well. However, if you are purchasing it then you need to read the labels carefully to know what exactly you are getting. Many of these flavoured water bottles actually befool you by replacing the goodness of water with plenty of added sugar, artificial flavours, calories, which in turn do nothing good for your health. On a comparative basis, yes, the flavoured water is a better choice than your regular sodas, fizzy drinks. But, still not better than plain water.
The conclusion is that these drinks are surely an option for the ones who don’t like plain water and even for those who would appreciate a change in the taste buds, however, Water is Water, nothing can replace it. As long as you follow the rule of moderation and focus mostly on plain water, you can call them amiably suitable for health.
On a personal note, I think water is a silver elixir, which rejuvenates every part of you as it travels down your throat. Go sip some!