Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

A growing number of experts are concerned that people might be consuming potentially harmful levels of vitamins and nutrients from fortified foods and beverages–in addition to nutrients absorbed by the body from other meals. Image courtesy of Witthaya Phonsawat at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Look around you and you will find a myriad of branded beverages offering added vitamins and minerals

in good ol’ plain water.

Based on the growing demand from consumers, these drinks are flying off the shelves at an alarming rate.

In order to keep up with the demand, more and more companies are introducing a wide range

of drinks and beverages with supplemental nutrition to juices, ales, sports beverages and bottled water.

Although the amount of added vitamins and minerals to beverages are basically tiny, a growing number

of food experts and nutritionists are concerned that people might be consuming unnecessary and potentially

harmful levels of vitamins and nutrients that might otherwise be absorbed by the body during the course

of the day, in other meals.

 

“The average individual today

is exposed to

elevated levels of minerals

and vitamins through

processed foods and drinks.”

 

Are We Consuming Too Many Dietary Supplements?

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

In their natural state, fresh fruits and vegetables contain naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals.

Individuals who have a healthy diet–in addition to consuming supplements as well as fortified foods–

could be building up an excess of nutrients in the body, which can eventually become harmful.

The average individual today is exposed to elevated levels of minerals and vitamins through

processed foods and drinks.

A greater number of people consume multivitamins and dietary supplements than ever before.

Packaged bread, bottled milk and other daily staples are now fortified with vitamins A and D, niacin

and folic acid.

All this points out to the fact that caution must be exercised when reaching out for basic

water with added vitamins while questioning oneself whether it is really needed.

According to a recent study published in June 2014, by the Institute Of Medicine, it was seen that

a greater number of individuals were exceeding safe limits of vitamin and mineral intake.

In a number of cases it was seen that individuals who consumed dietary supplements were often

the ones that needed them the least.

Are Fortified Drinks Over-Kill?

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

Dietary experts and nutritionists are particularly concerned about the explosion of fortified drinks

marketed specifically for high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

In its natural state, the body uses antioxidants to neutralize free radicals that destroyed healthy

cells and DNA.

However, at the same time, it also requires free radicals to combat carcinogenic cells and infections,

and if excess antioxidants are present in the body, it can take an adverse turn.

 

“A large number of fortified drinks

contained vitamins and minerals

in quantities that far exceeded

the average daily requirement

for young people.”

 

Another study conducted recently last month, examined over 40 fortified drinks– with and without

glucose– sold in major retail stores along with bottled water.

It was seen that a large number of these drinks contained vitamins and minerals in quantities that

far exceeded the average daily requirement for young people.

Over 15 of these beverages contained approximately three times the daily requirement for B6.

Ten and more had twice the requirement for B12 while over six drinks had more than tripled the

requirement for riboflavin or niacin.

Almost every beverage was marketed to improve immune function and heighten energy levels,

while a few of them promised, “daily functioning and emotional advantages connected to nutrient

preparations that surpass traditional nutritional knowledge”.

Some of the basic nutrients that are supplemented in fortified beverages were vitamins that are

already found in sufficient quantities in an average individual’s diet, so the additional inclusion is

nearly altogether uncalled-for.

 

“Fat-soluble vitamins taken

in excess can result

in adverse reactions.”

 

Food scientists warn that when specific vitamins are consumed in excess, it could accumulate in muscle

tissues causing potential risks for the individual.

Some water-soluble vitamins are excreted by the body, but fat-soluble vitamins if taken in excess can

result in adverse reactions.

Water Works!

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

Drinking a sufficient amount of water throughout the day can help in clearing the toxins from the body

as well as replenishing the body with necessary fluids after a workout.

If required, a heavy workout schedule could be supplemented with electrolyte beverages, although

it must be taken under medical supervision.

Natural Alternatives to Fortified Waters

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

Infused waters are a great alternative to vitamin-enriched drinks.

They are excellent for staying hydrated while you are working out.

And they are so easy to make.

All you need are glass jars, organic fruit, organic herbs and filtered water and you have everything

you need to “brew” these delicious infusions.

Thinly slice the fruits into small slices or chunks and add to jar with a few sprigs of fresh herbs.

Cover with filtered water or coconut water.

Refrigerate from 12 hours to 24 hours.

Remember, the longer it “brews”, the more intense the flavor will be.

There are so many combinations to try you could never get bored with water again.

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

 

Here are some of our favorite infused water combinations to try:

Fennel & Citrus
Watermelon & Rosemary
Strawberry & Basil
Blackberry & Sage
Pineapple & Cilantro
Apricot & Peach with Vanilla Bean
Pineapple & Mint
Grapefruit, Orange, Lime & Mint
Raspberries, Blueberries, Orange, Rosemary, Min
Lemon & lavender
Cucumber
Raspberry & Lime
Cucumber & Lemon
All Citrus
Pineapple & Strawberries
Mint
Orange
Lemon

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

Vitamin B Infused Water

Add the following sliced organic fruit to pitcher:

5 or 6 chunks of Watermelon or Pineapple (B6)
15 Raspberries (B5)1 sliced lemon (B2)
1 Peach (B3)
Sprig of rosemary (B1)

Fill the pitcher with filtered water.

Allow the mixture to infuse in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.

You can also pour your infused water into a portable bottle and take it with you to the gym

or wherever you go!

Best of all, you can refill the jar with liquid up to 3 times.

Natural Alternatives to Fortified Sports Drinks

Vitamin Beverages to Perk You Up? Not Quite...

There is no need to buy high-priced, heavily-sweetened, fortified  sports drinks when you can easily

make your own.

The primary ingredients for most electrolyte drinks are lemons, limes, oranges, sea salt, natural

sweetener, filtered water, coconut water, strawberries.

Here are two combinations to try:

Citrus Electrolyte Water

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 ½ to 2 cups of filtered water
1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
2 tablespoons natural sweetener, to taste

Strawberry Coconut Electrolyte Water

-3 cups of coconut water
-1 cup of strawberries
-1 cup of fresh water
-1 cup of ice
-1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
-2 tablespoons natural sweetener to taste

In short, vitamin enriched beverages and sports drinks may not be necessary for you, hence refrain from

reaching out for the bottle each time you feel thirsty.

The good news is that you can hydrate safely with water, infused waters and homemade electrolyte drinks.

 

About the author
This article is written by Carol, a passionate blogger about overall fitness subjects. She also actively participates in online forums and occasionally writes reviews on weight loss products, especially on Pure Garcinia Fruit Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract and HCG Drops, which are interest of her blog audience.

 

What do you think about fortified foods, waters and sports drinks?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

 

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