Most people would agree that it’s important to drink plenty of water every day, but are some waters better for you than others?
After all, peruse most any grocery store and you’ll find a wide variety of water choices…sports drinks, coconut water, electrolyte-enhanced water, etc.
What makes these enhanced waters so enticing? Are they as beneficial as they sound? Read on…
Vitamin Water
Sounds appealing, right? After all, vitamins are good for you and you need to drink water.
However, many of these beverages actually contain over 100 calories and 33 grams of sugar! Hmm…sounds more like a soda than water.
According to Dr. Ara DerMarderosian, a professor at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, vitamin water may actually suppress your immune system if you’re already getting plenty of vitamins through your diet and/or a multi-vitamin supplement. In addition, drinking sugary drinks may cause you to still be thirsty.
Coconut Water
Growing in popularity, coconut water is often referred to as “mother nature’s sport drink” due to its high levels of sodium, potassium and antioxidants.
However, there are different brands of coconut water and most do not contain enough sodium and potassium to make it an effective water to consume after an intense workout.
It’s an okay drink for after a light workout, but your body doesn’t really need the extra potassium and sodium. If you have problems with water retention, then this isn’t the water for you.
Smart Water
Electrolyte water, such as smart water, is made from distilled water that has been enhanced with potassium, magnesium, calcium and electrolytes for faster hydration.
There is no evidence that this type of water actually provides any real benefits. (I do like the 32 ounce bottle though. It’s tall and sleek. I keep refilling mine with regular tap water and freeze it for an hour or two.)
Unless you’re doing an intense workout or you’re suffering from heat exertion, then just plain tap water is all you need. Rather than enhancing your water with sodium, potassium, vitamins, electrolytes and the such, add some fresh lemon or grated ginger. And remember, if a water contains sugar, it’s no longer water!
Debbie October 9, 2012 at 1:29 am
This is only my opinion, but if you are eating a healthy diet you don’t need anything other than filtered tap water. Why spend money on a drink when you should be eating your vitamins and minerals anyhow.