Think Your Drink

           The Dairy Council of the Upper Midwest, along with several other educational information sources, has compiled some interesting comparisons of some of the common beverages we drink.  When it comes to nutrition, not all drinks are created equal.  If you are looking for the most nutrition for the dollars spent, you might want to compare the following data, all based on a percentage of a 2,000 calorie diet.

          Another way to evaluate your favorite beverage is by the 5 C’s.  

          Calories – Drinks with added sugar, such as pop and juice drinks, tend to be higher in calories.

           Content – Most pops, sports drinks and fruit drinks contain a high percentage of sugar.  While sugar temporarily satisfies your hunger cravings, it does not contain the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function efficiently. 

          Calcium loss- An increase in pop consumption often means a decrease in milk consumption. Since calcium, an important nutrient in milk, is a requirement for strong bones and teeth, reducing your calcium intake can lead to bone weakness and osteoporosis.

          Caffeine – Many soft drinks contain caffeine.  In fact, a search for caffeine and the boost it gives is the main reason many people drink pop and coffee.  Much like high sugar consumption, caffeine is a temporary solution.  The initial energy boost can lead to nervousness and sleep problems.

          Cavities- Sugary drinks mix with bacteria in the mouth to produce acid. Acid breaks down enamel and causes cavities. Each sip of sugary of acidic drink exposes teeth to 20 minutes of danger. Brush, floss or rinse with water after drinking sugary drinks to help prevent cavities. Even diet soft drinks contain acid and cause damage to teeth.