Flavored waters are considered not only tasty, but also he althy. After all, they have water in the name, a fruity flavor version, and additionally stand on store shelves next to mineral or spring waters. Nothing could be more wrong. It turns out that flavored waters have nothing to do with water, and additionally contain substances that can lead to the development of many diseases. What is the composition of flavored waters? How do they affect he alth? What does homemade flavored water look like?
Flavored watershave nothing to do with water, although the name suggests it. The label with the name of the producer that the consumer knows from the production of water is another reason why we think of flavored water as water. In addition, the flavored waters in the store are next to natural mineral and spring waters.
Although flavored waters are made of mineral or spring water, they contain aromas, sugars and preservatives. Meanwhile, according to the Regulation of the Minister of He alth¹ on natural mineral waters, spring waters and table waters, in order for water to be called water, it must meet a number of requirements.
Check also: Is the water in your tap he althy?
Different criteria apply to natural mineral waters, others to spring waters, and yet another to table waters. The latter may contain some additives, but they are only minerals.
All other ingredients added to water turn it into a drink. In the case of flavored water, a drink based on natural mineral water or spring water.
Flavored waters - are they he althy?
The basic ingredient of flavored water is sugar, glucose-fructose syrup or other sweeteners, thanks to which, together with a 1.5-liter bottle of liquid, you can provide from 200 to even approx. 350 kcal.
The amount of sugar in the flavored waters can make you dizzy. 100 ml of flavored water contains approx. 4.6 g of sugar, which is the equivalent of 1 teaspoon. 250 ml of the drink (i.e. one glass) provides 11.4 g of sugar, which is just over 2 teaspoons. This means that a 1.5-liter bottle delivers … 69 g of sugar, or approx. 14 teaspoons of sugar! It's more than one donut (about 34 g of sugar) or a portion of a bar (about 32 g of sugar).
Therefore, drinking flavored water in large amounts can contribute to obesity and obesity as much as eating sweets.
Flavored watersthe composition is closer to carbonated drinks than to mineral water, so they should be placed on the shelf with sweet drinks rather than water.
In addition, both sugar and glucose-fructose syrup have a high glycemic index, which means that after their consumption there is a rapid increase in blood glucose and, consequently, a burst of insulin. This can lead to insulin resistance and even the development of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, the flavored waters can contain preservatives and aromas - artificial, identical to natural or natural.
- potassium sorbate (E-202) - is a preservative that protects food against the development of mold and yeast. It is considered one of the safest food additives, however, in sensitive people, potassium sorbate may cause allergic reactions
- sodium benzoate (E-211) - naturally found in cranberries, blueberries and fermented milk drinks. In high doses, sodium benzoate may be harmful to he alth. With vitamin C, it can transform into very harmful benzene. Meanwhile, vitamin C is very often added to drinks and flavored waters
- aspartame (E-951) - a sweetener that is not recommended for people suffering from phenylketonuria. People who regularly consumed the sweetener most often complained of numerous ailments.
- acesulfame K (E-950) - enhances the flavor. Controversial sweetener
- flavors - they are often put into the water on gluten particles
- fruit syrups - they contain a lot of sugar, regardless of whether the syrup is of natural or artificial origin
Homemade flavored waters
You can add flavor to water without adding sweeteners, artificial flavors and preservatives. You can add mint leaves or lemon or lime juice to the mineral water.
You can also add finely diced pineapple, peach or nectarine, or add a few particles of orange, strawberries, raspberries. It's best to choose fruits that are soft - their flesh will be easier for water to penetrate.
What does homemade strawberry flavored water look like? It is enough to add 1.5 liters of mineral water to the leaves from a ½ bunch of basil and press them against the sides of the jug to release the flavor. Then add a glass of sliced strawberries. The prepared drink should be placed in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Another original proposition is a combination of raspberry, mint and lime. To 1.5 liters of mineral water, add a few mint leaves and press them against the sides of the jug to release the aroma. Then throw inslices of ½ lime and a glass of raspberries. Chill everything in the refrigerator.
Source:
1. Regulation of the Minister of He alth on natural mineral waters, spring waters and table waters, https://gis.gov.pl/images/bz/prawo/wody_2011.pdf