"People just don't realise how unhealthy fizzy drinks, coffee, teas and alcohol are," says Sue Visser, a health specialist at Nature Fresh health products and author.

"Fizzy drinks are loaded with sugar, have no nutritional worth, and contain eight teaspoons of sugar, which are harmful to your health."

Not as healthy as you think

Even choices we?d normally consider to be healthy, aren't always so. Like fruit juice, for example.

"Look at the sugar value and then at the vitamin and mineral value," is Sue?s advice.

"Fruit juice can be very deceptive, because often people do not realise just how much sugar they contain. Apple and grape juice contain too much simple sugars and no fibre, so my advice will be to rather drink orange juice, as it is high in vitamin c, and low in sugar.

"People mustn't forget that water is needed to balance the blood sugar, so if you are going to have a glass of juice, have a glass of water as well. Diabetics and those suffering from blood sugar imbalances should especially take note of a juice?s sugar content," she advises.

A new alternative this summer

Parmalat has just introduced PureJoy Light, naturally blended fruit juice with all the taste of a pure fruit juice, but with fewer kilojoules. This new range comes in four flavours: Cranberry cherry, peach apricot, ruby grapefruit and mango orange.

Aimed at health conscious consumers who enjoy their fruit juice, but also like to watch their kilojoules intake at the same time, it contains 70 percent pure fruit juice and you get all the vitamins and minerals of real fruit, without any added sugar, artificial colourants or preservatives.

Herbal and iced tea

Herbal teas are a good option if you are not fond of drinking water. They clear and calm the mind, improve metabolism of fats and help the body to offer protection against diseases. Plus, they're non-fattening.

"Drinking a herbal tea before a meal is good to aid digestion," says Sue.

Rooibos, mint, camomile and honeybush teas are all popular.

"Rooibos tea has so many healing benefits," Sue says. "It is affordable, caffeine free, high in potassium, with valuable anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals."

Those watching their weight need not worry: Rooibos is slimming as well.

Iced tea is a tasty, summer drink. Ideal to enjoy with a healthy meal, iced tea has all the benefits of regular tea. To get a great taste though, you need to purchase a good type of tea. If you will enjoy making your own iced tea at home, try this recipe.

Rooibos espresso?

If you want something a little different, why not try Red espresso ? Rooibos tea espresso. Made from 100 percent Super Export Grade Rooibos tea sourced at highest altitude in the Cedarberg Mountains, red espresso is uniquely ground for use in espresso machines.

It's naturally caffeine-free, low in tannin and is loaded with four times more antioxidants than a regular cup of Rooibos tea. It contains no preservatives, additives or colourants.

It's ideal for those who avoid caffeine or want to cut down on their intake and for the health-conscious.

With zero caffeine and enough antioxidants to meet your daily quota, enjoying red espresso, as an espresso, cappuccino, latte, iced tea, smoothie or shake is a delicious, effortless way of ensuring you're looking after your greatest wealth ? your health.

For more information and recipes visit www.redespresso.com

Water

Water is still the healthiest drink, needed daily by the body to function well. "For every 10 kilograms of your weight, you need one glass of water," Sue says.

"Although enriched bottled water contain more added nutrients, tap water is just as good."

Filtering or boiling your water is another option.

Sue's recommendation:

  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 litre of boiled water (cooled down)

Mix well, and drink when thirsty.

Lemon juice is good for the digestive system, and can be added to a cup of boiled water to drink in the morning. This drink will supply the body with energy and cleanse the system.

Shakes and smoothies

Soya drinks are good for those who are lactose intolerant, or allergic to milk. They are known to be lactose and cholesterol free, rich in protein, secondary plant extracts and essential amino acids.

Smoothies are a fun and tasty alternative to getting in your daily-recommended portion of fruit. But watch your ingredients. Because fruits are filled with sugar, it?s best to add low fat and unsweetened ingredients to it.

Make your own smoothie:

Chop up your preferred choice of fruit into small cubes.
For an extra cold smoothie, use frozen fruit.
Popular choices are bananas, mangoes, peaches or any type of berries.
Add a thick liquid, such as yoghurt, either plain or flavoured.
Add a chilled liquid. Water, juice or milk are popular choices. This is to blend the smoothie and keep it cooler for longer.
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
Adding flavouring such as cinnamon, vanilla or any preferred choice will create a bit of extra flavour.
Drinksmixer.com

Weight watchers

Lastly, Sue says that healthy drinks do have an effect on body weight. Drinks high in sugar can cause weight gain, and herbal teas, such as rooibos can be slimming. Always check the nutritional label.

Look at the fat and sugar content, added additives, sweeteners, and the nutrients.

For more information on health drinks or any other health topic, visit Sue Visser?s website: www.naturefresh.co.za or email her at: info@naturefresh.co.za.