Nutri responds: are flavored waters sold in supermarkets healthy? – GOOD SHAPE

You are probably already tired of knowing that drink water It is very important for the functioning of our body. After all, it improves the appearance of the skin, regulates body temperature, transports vitamins and mineral salts through the blood… And it can even give more satiety! The main organs and researches in the health area recommend that you take about 30 to 35 ml for every kilo you have. A person weighing 70 kg, for example, should drink from 2.1 L to 2.45 L per day.

The problem is that even if we exclude all the liquids that we consume indirectly through food (10% of the total amount, that is, about 245 ml), it’s still a lot of water to drink, isn’t it? For a change, there are people who opt for flavored versions and even gas that are sold in the supermarket. But after all, are these options good and play the same role as water in the body? We went to ask nutritionist Fabiana Albuquerque, a specialist in clinical and sports nutrition at Clínica Nutrindo Ideals.

Are industrialized flavored waters healthy?

Fabiana explains that these products are made, on average, from 2.5% fruit juice (natural or not, this can vary from brand to brand) and, of course, water. It turns out that some are full of chemical additives hidden in their formulations: “artificial sweeteners, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, phosphoric acid, high sodium content, calcium disodium edta sequestrant… In other words, we can say that some industrialized flavored waters are basically soft drinks disguised”, warns the nutritionist.

The only difference between flavored water and low-calorie soft drinks, she says, is that the former can come with some vitamins added, but not in sufficient amounts to be considered healthy. This is just to draw attention to the packaging. “On the other hand, it also has a higher sodium content.”

So, you know, no completely changing the intake of traditional water for drinking, see? If you’re going to take it from time to time, it’s even worth it. “But choose options that contain fewer ingredients, in addition to sweeteners and natural flavorings. Avoid compositions with names that are difficult to read and full of numbers”, advises the nutritionist. Those with gas are also not very suitable: the carbon dioxide present interferes with digestion and is not at all good for those who suffer from gastric problems.

But I don’t like water! And now?

Running out of proper hydration is not an option! Instead, how about preparing your own flavored water? Without the chemical additives of industrialized products, the difference here is just the taste. It is worth putting some slices of fruit, gingermint, lemon, but no sugar! You can even prepare water with specific features. Check out some ideas:

To eliminate toxins: with lemon, ginger and blueberry

– (Thiago Justo/Disclosure)

Alkalizing: with lemon and cayenne pepper

– (idd/Thinkstock/Getty Images)