Three great alternatives to water to stay hydrated for optimal health
SUMMER days may be behind us but even when it is cool outside we all need to stay hydrated for optimal health.
We should aim for six to eight glasses a day. Water is the best choice as it is calorie and sugar-free.
So it’s good for waistlines, teeth and your pocket too, if from the tap.
But if you’re bored of it, there are some great health drinks on the market. Today, I put some to the test . . .
Kombucha
SOUTH London-based MOMO Kombucha has launched a watermelon version of the fermented tea drink.
It has combined its kombucha – which is full of naturally occurring probiotics – with water-melon sourced from an area in Italy renowned for melon growing, called Mantua.
And it is stunning – sharp and crisp to begin with, leading to a sweet, fruity watermelon taste.
It’s brewed the old-school way with water, kombucha, sugar, watermelon juice, organic tea and elderflower.
At 66kcal per 330ml bottle, RRP £4.50, it’s pricey but lovely. See momo-kombucha.com.
Juice
IF you want something that is 100 per cent natural then you cannot go wrong with juiced vegetables and fruit, and Presscription is a great choice.
Its juices are designed by nutritionists, using 100 per cent raw, fresh and unpasteurised fruit and veg.
It focuses on juice cleanses, which I can never stick to, but I love the company’s drinks, soups and shots for a bit of a health kick.
The Green Vital is a vitamin-packed, detox- friendly mix of celery, broccoli, kale, lemon, spinach, parsley and cucumber.
There is a variety on the website with the health benefits for each. It’s £4.95 for a 250ml bottle but a subscription can work out cheaper.
I also love that, unlike many juice firms, this one has lots of veg options, so you can cut sugar.
See presscription.co.uk.
Antioxidants
JUNO Bamboo Water allows you to enjoy all the health benefits of ethical bamboo in a refreshing and revitalising drink, packed with natural nutrients.
It has vitamins and essential minerals such as vitamins K, B6 and E. It is known to naturally support collagen, enhance immunity and detoxify the body.
Each 250ml can has just 20kcal but 4.5g of sugar – not the hugest amount but adults should have no more than 30g a day.
It is made in the UK and comes in three flavours – mango, passion fruit and Zesty Yuzu, which I tried.
It tasted citrusy and kept me alert, as it also contains green tea. It is a refreshing pick-me-up with natural ingredients but quite a bit of sugar.
From £1.86 a can, in store at Selfridges, or see bamboo-water.com.