5 "bad" drinks that you should not give up, according to a nutritionist

According to StatPearls, 75% of the world's people suffer from chronic dehydration, and it's clear that many of us can benefit from an extra glass (or two) a day. But while we may know that choosing sugary drinks made with artificial ingredients isn't the best choice, it can be difficult for us to determine if other options are healthy.

If you're wondering if drinks that seem "bad" might actually offer unique health benefits, keep reading to find out which options made our list.

1. 100% pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is inherently sweet, and while many options on the market contain sugar, you can find it without it. One of the unique things about 100% pomegranate juice is that it contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm your body over time if you are overexposed to them.

2. Prebiotic soda
One can of regular soda can contain up to 39 grams of sugar, which is more than the maximum that the American Heart Association recommends adults consume all day long! In addition, this classic sweet drink lacks nutrients such as fiber, protein and micronutrients.

However, some sodas have the same pleasant soda and sweet taste, but contain far fewer calories and sugar. Olipop Vintage Cola contains just 2 grams of sugar and a whopping 9 grams of fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Because most Americans don't consume enough fiber each day, according to the American Nutrition Society, including this soda can help people meet their needs and keep their gut healthy. The fiber found in Olipop is a source of prebiotics, so eating it can help fuel the live probiotics that are in your gut. That being said, eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is one of the most nutritious ways to ensure your fiber intake.

3. 100% orange juice
If you choose 100% orange juice over an orange-flavored drink made with added sugar, you can look forward to great health benefits when drinking this classic drink. Pure orange juice contains vitamin C, which helps support immunity, and is a natural source of folic acid, thiamine, and potassium.

In addition, 100% orange juice contains a plant compound called hesperidin. Evidence suggests that hesperidin consumption may be associated with reduced inflammation and blood pressure, according to a 2021 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

4. Coffee
In some circles, coffee may be considered a "bad" drink. And while it's true that a double frappuccino made with sugar, cream, and other similar ingredients isn't the most nutritious choice, a cup of black coffee is not only acceptable to most people, but may actually offer some impressive benefits, such as risk reduction. heart disease and diabetes, increased alertness and improved performance.

5. Hot cocoa
Enjoying a cozy cup of warm milk and cocoa may seem unhealthy to some, but it's an amazing combination of nutrients. Milk is rich in bone-healthy nutrients and satiating protein. And according to a 2022 Foods review, cocoa is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure. When churning a cup of cocoa, make sure you don't add too much sugar or overdo sweet treats like marshmallows or mints.

Conclusion
Drinking plenty of fluids daily can help keep your memory sharp and support your weight management goals, and may also help prevent headaches. And while drinking plain old H2O, infused or sparkling water is the best way to stay hydrated, sometimes a small variety of drinks is just what the doctor ordered. Choosing super sugary or high fat drinks is not the most nutritious way to stay hydrated. However, some amazing drinks may seem like a poor choice, but they can actually be a great addition to a balanced and healthy diet. Many drinks, from certain 100% fruit juices to a cozy mug of cocoa, have impressive nutritional value and impressive health benefits.