Super water drinks and vitamin enhanced waters are the drink of choices for many people. These waters are flavored and enriched with 50 to 100 percent of the daily allowance of a variety of vitamins--vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins among them.
Our bodies are composed of 70 percent water. Water is essential for every system to function properly and efficiently. It is important to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
Advantages of Super Water
Super water drinks can be healthy alternatives to soda and juices. They contain essential vitamins and come in calorie-free varieties. The enhanced water, usually fruit-flavored, has a great, sweet taste.
Disadvantages of Vitamin Enhanced Water
- Enhanced waters are not calorie free; 20-ounces of these beverages contains about the same number of calories as 12-ounces of regular soda.
- The added sugars in many of these drinks significantly increase the calorie count. Watch the Nutrition Facts on the back of the bottle for an accurate count. Remember, the listed calorie count is for one serving, and most bottles actually contain two and a half servings. You do the math.
- Calorie-free varieties contain additives or artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which carry their own health concerns.
- Vitamin-enhanced water is expensive if regularly consumed; one bottle a day will cost about $400 annually.
- If you eat a balanced diet, the extra vitamins contained in the water are not essential to maintain good health.
Bottom Line
The best way to be sure that you are getting the essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health and a strong body is to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis. A daily multivitamin will fill any gaps in your diet. The best advice when picking a drink is to pick plain water, and be sure to drink enough.
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