Health & Fitness
Are 'Healthy Drinks' The Real Deal?
With everyone looking to head back to the gym, Northwell Health breaks down the facts and fiction of "healthy drinks."
Drinks with added vitamins and electrolytes boast the benefits on their labels. See what's hype and what's right.
The Claim: You'll Be A Better Athlete
Electrolyte-infused water contains minerals, such as sodium, potassium or magnesium, and claim to improve athletic performance.
The verdict: If you’re an athlete or ultramarathoner who needs to replenish minerals lost by sweating a lot or over a long period of time, beverages with electrolytes may help maintain your levels of fluids and acids, as well as regulate your heartbeat.
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The Claim: You'll Be More Focused
Vitamin- and mineral-infused waters often mix fruit flavors with micronutrients and promise benefits like improved immunity and “better focus.”
The verdict: The drinks contain vitamins, but that’s not all. A 20-ounce serving of one popular brand has 32 grams of sugar and 120 calories. Some versions skip the sugar, but their health claims are unproven.
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The Claim: You'll Be Healthier And More Hydrated
Coconut water contains a high concentration of potassium and low amounts of sugar and calories, which help to ward off cardiovascular crises.
The verdict: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics disagrees with the claim that drinking coconut water improves hydration, boosts metabolism and helps prevent heart attack and stroke. But since it’s low in sugar and calories, the beverage is a healthier choice than juice or soda.
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