10 Drinks Dietitians Say You Should Avoid for Better Health

Key Points:

• Many commonly consumed drinks, including fruit juice, sweetened iced tea, sugary coffee drinks, and soda, contain high amounts of added sugar, which can negatively impact health and contribute to weight gain.
• The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to no more than 36 grams per day for men and 25 grams for women, emphasizing the importance of managing sugar consumption from beverages.
• Healthier alternatives to sugary drinks include whole fruits instead of juice, unsweetened teas, coffee with unsweetened milk or plant-based sweeteners, seltzer water, and unsweetened plant-based milks like soy milk.
• Pre-mixed alcoholic drinks, pre-made smoothies, energy drinks, and sports drinks often contain high sugar levels and calories, making them less ideal for regular consumption; homemade versions or sugar-free options are better choices.
• Sports drinks are designed for intense physical activity lasting over 60 minutes, and for moderate or shorter activities, plain water is recommended as the best hydration option.