BooBop

Vitamin H2O Do the new fortified waters promise more than they deliver?

“When drinking water, think of its source.” Chinese Proverb

Water may be the perfect refresher, but today perfection isn’t good enough. Beverage companies are now enhancing water by adding vitamins, minerals, and herbs-along with price tags higher than those on ordinary bottled waters.
At first glance, these multitasking waters resemble diluted fruit juice, but they promise much more. With names like Rescue, Energy Boost, and Stress-B they boast everything from vitamins (A, B-6, B-12 and C) and minerals (calcium, chromium, magnesium, zinc) to electrolytes (potassium, chloride) and herbal supplements (ginseng, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort).
Do these drinks have any real health benefits, or are they just a benign gimmick? “These waters don’t appear to be harmful or contain excessive amount of nutrients,” says Felicia Bush, M.P.H.,R.D., spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). “But if the mislead people into thinking they don’t need to make smart food decisions, then there could be a problem.”
One thing you don’t need is electrolytes (essentially dissolve minerals that help maintain fluid in the body). “We get enough electrolytes in out daily diet,” say Bob Girandola, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Southern California.
One thing you may not want is a stimulant. A few of these waters deliver a jolt guarana, a seed that has properties similar to caffeine’s. Guarana can also be dehydrating. So if you’re caffeine-sensitive, pregnant, or nursing, steer clear.
Another consideration is calories: Many of these waters have 30 to 125 calories per bottle, unlike plain water, which has none. Still, if you’re used to drinking Fruit Punch Snapple (220 calories and no added vitamins) and you instead choose a Power-C Vitaminwater (125 calories and 25% of the recommended Daily intake for B-3, B-5, B-6, and B-12) then you are better off.
Perhaps the major advantage of the new waters is that they get many women to drink more. Most women are about a quart shy of meeting their recommended daily intake of water. “If you are more likely to drink a flavored or enhanced water to meet your daily fluid needs, go ahead,” says Busch. “If you can’t stand your tap water, a special water may provide the incentive you need to drink up-at a price of course.”

The Tip: Make herbal iced tea for a refreshing, tasty, no calorie drink. Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger and Peppermint are good choices.

This article is in the magazine Real Simple. I personally love this little magazine. You can get some really great tips form it. Mitz

Luv2BTan

I have found a cure for my lack of water drinking. One of our local hospitals has a prevention care facility in the mall. Sort of a one stop, self help facility. Anyways, they are selling 64oz water jugs. Yes, they are kind of large for carting around but, I have drank all of my water everyday since I bought one. Must be all in my mind, but I never drank all my water, even when I tried to drink 2 2L containers. But, now that I have only 1 container, I empty it with no problems, and even find I drink more every now and then.

Another couple of ideas for people that like flavored water (but not sweetened with sugar or sugar substitute)....
Flavored sletzer water, usually sold in either Raspberry, Orange, or Lime/Lemon. These take some getting used to but I find that I really like them in the summer, instead of a sweet soda. Try one, you may like it, but make sure they have no sugar or sugar substitute. Most all grocery stores will sell these, in the area with Sletzer, Club Soda and Tonic Water.

My favorite is harder for me to find. If you are lucky enough to have this product around, I highly recommened it. As far as I can find out, it's the only water that is unsweeted but flavored. The brand is Le*Nature's Ice Water with a Twist. Flavors are Tropical Manderin, Orange, Lime, Lemon, Lemon/Lime, and Pink Grapefruit. I love this stuff and I am heartbroken that our local stores have all stopped carrying it. I can order it online and I may have to do that. If you are interrested, they have a website and you can order online or look for a store in your area. www.le-natures.com

fungirlz

GRRRRRRREAT POST....
Keep em coming....

Luv2BTan

Mitzi, I get Real Simple magazine too. I really like it also. I thought I'd share a story that is related to a recomendation from the magazine. I think the story is in the same issue as the water story.

Did you see the story on spices? I ordered and have received the container they feature. They are great and if you cook any I suggest trying them. They'd be perfect for beads too. But, what I am most fired up about are the spices that I ordered from one of the sources they mentioned. I just got my box from penzeys.com. This is the best deal I've ever seen on spices. I ordered all small jars, since I don't cook much. They are the same size as the smallest containers at the grocery store but none over $2 each. These things smell fabulous. I am actually looking forward to cooking with some of them.

It's such a great deal I had to share. Of course, you have to cook at least a little, to appreciate it. By no means do I cook a lot or do I cook fancy but, when I do I want it to taste as good as I can.