Water Round Up - A Walk Through The Beverage Aisle
Staying properly hydrated can be a chore, but staying hydrated is oh-so-important to a healthy lifestyle. Spending more time outdoors in the summer sun increases our risk of dehydration, especially if we are exercising and sweating, and in turn, losing fluids. Signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, less frequent urination, and of course, the physical sensation of being thirsty. It seems like the beverage aisle (and reusable water bottle list!) is every expanding, so we let our RDs comment on which waters to sip, and which to skip.
SPARKLING WATER
There is certainly no shortage of this one. There has been an explosion of brands that have either pivoted to include sparkling water as part of their beverage portfolio, or were born out of the demand seen in the marketplace. Sparkling water is a great choice as most are not sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners and have few, if any, calories. One of our favorites is Spindrift as it contains the juice of real fruits to naturally flavor the water. Flavored sparkling water can be used as a fantastic lightened up base for summer mocktails (and cocktails!) as well!
THE VERDICT: SIP IT!
FUNCTIONAL SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGES
Think sparkling water, but with some added benefits. Brands like Sound, Rishi, Recess and Heywell have pioneered this new space using ingredients that provide a functional health benefit and/or flavor, such as botanicals or herbs. Heywell uses adaptogens - a class of herbal pharmaceuticals that have adapted to growing in stressful conditions - which are believed to give the body a biological boost to better manage stress, improve immunity and promote resilience. However, more research is needed to determine efficacy of adaptogens. Not to mention, these beverages come with quite a hefty price tag.
THE VERDICT: SKIP IT!
MINERAL WATER
Mineral water, especially some of the more well-known brands like Topo Chico and Perrier, has become a popular choice. As the name suggests, it contains trace amounts of certain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium from the source. These nutrients may help lower blood pressure and promote bone health. However, there are many other ways to obtain these minerals in your diet, and sodium may also be added so be sure to check the label. Therefore, choose a water type based on your preference (and budget), not necessarily for the potential health benefits provided.
THE VERDICT: SIP IT!
ALOE VERA WATER
The liquid that is extracted from the aloe vera plant is known as aloe water or juice. It boasts a slightly bitter, citrusy flavor. Some of its alleged health benefits include the ability to protect against free radical damage due its high antioxidant load. However, many varieties of aloe vera water add sugar to balance the bitter flavor. When consumed an occasion, aloe vera water is not harmful, especially if you enjoy the flavor, but there is not enough evidence to determine its true efficacy at this time.
THE VERDICT: SKIP IT!
ALKALINE WATER
There have been more health claims associated with alkaline water than most beverages. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water and because of this, some believe that it can neutralize the acid in your body which is still quite controversial among the health community. The bottom line – there is not nearly enough scientific evidence to support the use of alkaline water to treat health conditions, though it is generally considered safe to drink. However, your budget may prefer regular drinking water!
THE VERDICT: SKIP IT!
+++
At FLIK Hospitality Group we believe in great food, great service, and great people. Our wellness first approach ensures our food supports healthy and delicious choices, specially curated by our team of culinary experts and registered dietitians. At FLIK, we believe in seasonality in sourcing our ingredients and providing a customized approach to the culinary and hospitality needs of each client. Our dedication to providing quality hospitality service is unparalleled in the industry.
Have feedback or questions for our team? Email us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.
Interested in working with us? Apply today!