What not to drink
Question
I know that drinking plenty of water every day is important for my health, but what's the score with water-diluted drinks like orange squash? Are they as good for health, or worse because of the sugar and other additives?
Answer
The human body requires water for all kinds of important functions, so it's good that you're aware of its importance to your daily diet. In fact The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that you drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This equates to roughly 1.2 litres of water or fluid daily.
Drinks that you dilute, such as squashes, can contain very high levels of sugar. While you are still getting plenty of water by drinking these, you are also consuming higher quantities of sugar that could potentially damage your teeth. Full sugar diluted drinks also tend to be high calorie but contain very few nutrients.
As with everything you consume, there is no problem with drinking sugary drinks occasionally, but you may wish to consider sugar free alternatives if you are to continue drinking diluted drinks as an alternative to water.
Updated: 03/12/2007
Question answered by bss
