Healthy Beverages For Diabetics
Enjoy Refreshing Beverages and Keep Your Diabetes Under Control When faced with diabetes, it's important to watch not only what you eat, but also what you drink. Beverages can sneak in extra sugars and carbohydrates that you need to monitor when adhering to a diabetic diet. Try these great, diabetes-friendly drinks when you are looking to quench your thirst. © 2016 Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Healthgrades Operating Company, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. Continue reading >>
The Best Liquids To Drink If You Are Diabetic
When you're diabetic, you need to be careful about not only the foods you consume but also about what you drink. A wide range of beverages are safe for diabetics, but many others are not. Pick the wrong type of drink, and you're apt to experience complications as a result of your elevated blood glucose. To stay healthy, keep a list of the best liquids to drink when you're at home, at work and even while traveling. Video of the Day Quench Your Thirst The American Diabetes Association suggests that diabetics commit to consuming drinks that have either no calories or that have a very low number of calories per serving. The healthiest choice is water, which does not have any calories and is also an ideal source of hydration. Other healthy drinks to consider adding to your meal plan include unsweetened tea, unsweetened coffee, diet soft drinks and low-calorie beverages such as club soda and vegetable juice. Low-fat milk and 100 percent fruit juice are also safe, but note each beverage's calories and carbs, and track this information in your meal plan. Spice Up Your Water If you primarily drink water but seek variety, make a subtle change to your choice of beverage. Instead of plain water, add a few squirts of fresh lemon or lime. This changes the flavor without significantly boosting the drink's caloric value. Consider other alternatives such as a few pieces of peeled, fresh ginger, a slice of cucumber or even a few, diced mint leaves. If you have an intense craving for a sweet, flavorful drink, don't give in to your urge to consume a soft drink. Instead, opt for a diet version that's sweetened with an artificial sweetener such as acesulfame potassium, aspartame or sucralose. A long list of sodas and fruit juices contain this type of sweetener and, as a result, have either n Continue reading >>
What Drinks Are Good And Bad For People With Diabetes?
When a person has diabetes, insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose, is either nonexistent or in short supply. A person with diabetes is unable to use insulin properly, which causes sugars to build up in the blood. Diabetes can be dangerous if it is not properly managed. Different drinks can affect blood sugar levels in a number of ways. Contents of this article: The best drinks for people with diabetes The following drinks are good choices for people with diabetes. Things to look out for when choosing a drink Many drinks contain lots of sugars and carbohydrates. Paying attention to food labels and nutritional facts can provide important information. Labels should state the serving size and carbohydrate content of any drink. People with diabetes have different bodily needs, so there are no exact dietary rules. However, some tips can help. To make it easier to control blood sugar, it is important to: eat a balanced diet and manage the amount of carbohydrate consumed keep carbohydrate levels consistent from day to day consume managed amounts of carbohydrate, because the brain and body need some carbohydrate to function. Paying attention to food labels and nutritional facts can provide important information. Labels should state the serving size and carbohydrate content of any drink. The worst drinks for people with diabetes The following drinks are bad choices for people with diabetes. Soda and energy drinks Sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. For people who already have diabetes, this type of drink provides large amounts of sugar and requires little digestion. Drinking sodas without healthy food can lead to large spikes in blood sugar levels. As it is important to spread carbohydrate intake out evenly, it would be Continue reading >>
8 Healthy Drinks Besides Water For Added Taste Bud Stimulation
Not everyone is the biggest fan of water, but water is always going to be the hands-down beverage of choice when it comes to your health. Water is in everything. It’s an essential nutrient, and it’s part of every cell of your body. However, sometimes we just need to change things up a little. While water should be the basis of your liquid intake, there are some healthy drinks besides water that you can add to your diet for added variety. Some of these should only be used in moderation, but they still have many health benefits, and can be included as part of a well-rounded fitness lifestyle. Coffee Some people can’t live without their coffee. Luckily for them, coffee reduces the risk of cardiovascular and other inflammatory diseases [1] [2] [3]. Coffee drinkers also have a lower risk for type II diabetes [4]. If that wasn’t enough, coffee can also aid in fat loss. Caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and quinides are just a few of the chemical compounds in coffee that promote weight loss through thermogenesis, increased fat oxidation, and the reduction of insulin levels [5] [6] [7]. Tea Tea is rich in EGCG, a catechin antioxidant believed to be responsible for the majority of tea’s health benefits. While the majority of studies done on green tea have only been done in vitro (isolated from the living organism – think “test tube”) and and in animals, the scientific literature looks promising. Catechins are scavengers of free radicals. Because of this, it’s believed that tea can be an effective combatant against cardiovascular disease and cancer [8]. While limited, there are still many studies showing that tea can reduce the risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and osteoporosis [9]. Flavored Water No, I’m not talking about the sugary pre-made drinks you buy in t Continue reading >>
What You Can Drink, Besides Water, When You Have Diabetes
No doubt: Water is the perfect drink. It doesn't have calories, sugar, or carbs, and it's as close as a tap. If you're after something tastier, though, you've got options. Some tempting or seemingly healthy drinks aren't great for you, but you can make swaps or easy homemade versions of many of them. These tasty treats can fit into your diabetes diet and still satisfy your cravings. 1. Chocolate Milk This treat may remind you of the school lunchroom, but it’s a good calcium-rich choice for grown-ups as well. Low-fat chocolate milk can be a good post-workout recovery drink. The bad news: Ready-made brands come packed with sugar. Try this at home: Mix 1% milk, 3 teaspoons of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of the zero-calorie sweetener of your choice. It saves you 70 calories, 16 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of fat compared to 1 cup of store-bought, reduced-fat chocolate milk. 2. Sweet Tea A 16-ounce fast-food version might have up to 36 grams of carbs. That’s a lot of sugar, especially when there are carb-free choices, like sugar-free iced tea or iced tea crystals, that are just as satisfying. But you can also easily make your own: Steep tea with your favorite crushed fruit (raspberries are a good choice). Strain, chill, and then sweeten with your choice of no-calorie sugar substitute. That’s a tall glass of refreshment. 6. Hot Chocolate It’s the ultimate in decadent drinks. Coffeehouse-style versions of this classic are packed with carbs. A typical medium hot chocolate made with low-fat milk has 60 grams. Good news: You can make your own satisfying mug for less than half that. Mix 1 cup of low-fat milk with 2 squares of 70% dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and a little cinnamon. Melt in a saucepan, and enjoy it for only 23 grams of carbs. It seems like a he Continue reading >>
What Beverages Do You Drink (other Than Water)?
Fruit juice is a serious offender in managing our blood sugars . . . I don't drink it at all, but some diabetics are able to take small amounts. As for other beverages, I avoid milk for the same reason as fruit juice - milk is loaded with sugar too - lactose. So I just don't drink anything that might impact my BG. I use heavy cream in my coffee - it has no carbs, so no impact. I've never been a soda person, so I don't have that to deal with - I just drink a lot of green tea, herb tea, coffee & water. If I want a sweet beverage, I use artificial sweetener like erythritol or saccharine. And your questions are anything but annoying! Ask anything you want - we're here to help! What beverages have the lowest impact on your BS and which ones have the highest? Water is naturally the lowest with 0 impact and is meant to irrigate and flush your system. Having the majority of your fluid intake plain water will actively contribute to lower BS. If your teeth aren't sensitive, drink ice cold water as much as possible because your body burns calories heating up the water before distribution. Small methods add up over time. Fruit "beverages" and "punches" like Minute Maid, Sunny D, and Fruitopia are horrible concoctions of about 10% fruit juice and 90% filler chemicals, including tons of sugar. Not only do they provide drastic spikes but they have far less nutrition to them than a serving of Tropicana 100% orange juice or freshly squeezed fruit juice. They often contain more sugar per serving than soda pop. Commercially bottled milk beverages, milkshakes, smoothies, etc., often contain more added sugar than anything. Regular soda pop of course, best termed "liquid candy" with absolutely no nutritional value, not even recommended for non-diabetics. I live by the mantra "Pop is Poison. Continue reading >>
Healthy Beverage Guidelines
Table of Contents Beverage Guidelines from the Experts Introduction In the beginning there was water—abundant, refreshing, providing everything the body needs to replenish the fluids it loses. Humans relied on it as their only beverage for millions of years. Milk came next, with the advent of agriculture and the domestication of animals. Then beer and wine and coffee and tea, all drunk for taste and pleasure as much as for the fluids they provide. The newcomers—soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, and the like—offer hydration but with a hefty dose of unnecessary calories that the body may have a hard time regulating. With so many choices, all with different, sometimes unexpected effects on health, it’s easy to be confused about the “best” beverages for health. This prompted a group of nutrition experts from across the U.S. to form the independent Beverage Guidance Panel. These six researchers, including Dr. Walter C. Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition, reviewed the evidence on beverages and health and ranked categories of beverages into six levels, based on calories delivered, contribution to intake of energy and essential nutrients, and evidence for positive and negative effects on health. (1) The winner? Water. But that doesn’t mean that water is the only beverage that’s good for your health, or that everyone needs to drink eight glasses of water a day. Beverage Guidelines from the Experts The Beverage Guidance Panel distilled its advice into a six-level pitcher, much as food experts have done with the food pyramid. The group published its recommendations in the March 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Here is a description of each level: Level 1: Water Water provides everything the body Continue reading >>
What Can I Drink If I Have Diabetes?
Having diabetes means that you have to be aware of everything you eat or drink. Knowing the amount of carbohydrates you ingest and how they may affect your blood sugar is crucial. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends zero-calorie or low-calorie drinks. The main reason is to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Choosing the right drinks can help you avoid unpleasant side effects, manage your symptoms, and maintain a healthy weight. Water Unsweetened tea Unsweetened coffee Sugar-free fruit juice Low-fat milk Zero- or low-calorie drinks are typically your best bet when choosing a drink. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your drink for a refreshing, low-calorie kick. Whether you’re at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options. 1. Water When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. That’s because it won’t raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Drinking enough water can help your body eliminate excess glucose through urine. Women should drink approximately 8 glasses of water each day, while men should drink about 10 glasses. If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, create some variety by: adding slices of lemon, lime, or orange adding sprigs of flavourful herbs, such as mint, basil, or lemon balm crushing a couple of fresh or frozen raspberries into your drink 2. Tea Research has shown that green tea has a positive effect on your general health. It can also help reduce your blood pressure and lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Some research suggests that drinking up to six cups a day may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed. Whether you choose green, black, or herbal tea, you should avoid sweeteners. For a refreshi Continue reading >>
Carbonated Water: Is It A Good Drink For Diabetes?
Carbonated water—also called sparkling or effervescent water, club soda, seltzer water, tonic water, fizzy water—is water that contains carbon dioxide gas dissolved under pressure—the bubbles are the carbon dioxide (CO2) escaping the liquid once the pressure has been released by opening the bottle or container. There are some differences between these types of carbonated water—club soda, for example, tends to contain added minerals while tonic water contains quinine and a small amount of sugar, usually high fructose corn syrup. Flavors can be added to any of these forms of carbonated water.[1] There are many different makers of carbonated water, but read the labels, especially if you are on a sodium-restricted diet, to see how much if any sodium may be in the carbonated water. You also want to be certain that the water is pure without any additional sugars, flavorings or color agents. I recommend reading the following articles too: Is Carbonated Water Healthy? Maybe the question should be—if you want a “YES!” answer—is carbonated water healthier than other beverages? In this case, the answer is definitely yes! Carbonated water is healthier than diet or regular soda, healthier than alcoholic drinks, healthier in general than coffee, healthier in some ways than juices and possibly healthier than some teas, particularly in some circumstances. Carbonated water is healthier than diet or regular soda because it contains nothing but CO2 and water—carbonated mineral water will have extra minerals in it as well, but diet and regular soda contains sugars, sugar substitutes, concentrated sugars like High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), phosphates and phosphoric acid, caffeine, added colors and preservatives, artificial and natural flavors, and other substances. On to Continue reading >>
List Of 9 Best Healthy Drinks For Diabetics
Overview Diabetes brings about many restrictions in a person’s the life affected by it. In the case of diet, the restrictions are more severe. The meals for diabetes, breakfast for diabetics, and snacks for diabetics, all have to be prepared and planned to keep the health restrictions and requirements in mind. Diabetic patients just can consume 1 can of soda or 1 glass of chilled soft drink since these are high in sugar and calorie that promote weight gain and increase blood glucose level – that is extremely harmful to type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. But this doesn’t mean that diabetic patients should avoid all refreshing beverages. Delicious herbal teas, infused water, milkshakes and green tea are best healthy drinks for diabetics that are low in calories and rich in antioxidants. In this article, we at VKool.com will show you top 9 healthy drinks for diabetics. Read on and include them in your diet. 9 Best Healthy Drinks For Diabetics You Should Know I. Best Drinks For Diabetics 1. Drinks For Diabetics – Coffee According to a 2006 study, moderate consumption of both decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and younger women [1]. However, overconsumption of coffee can raise blood sugar level. Coffee contains the compound Chlorogenic acid, which helps to delay the glucose absorption into the bloodstream and curb type 2 diabetes. Along with that, coffee has no carbohydrates and calorie, which make it become one of the best drinks for diabetics. Thus, you should enjoy 1-2 cups of coffee a day without sugar and milk. This is because adding sugar, milk or cream to coffee may increase the overall calorie count and affect the levels of blood sugar. Read also: Home remedies for diabetes in men and women 2. Drinks F Continue reading >>
What's A Good Cold Drink, Besides Diet Soda And Water?
A: Hi Patti-cake, Most “regular” and non-diet drinks contain carbohydrate, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar or fruit juice. While drinking small amounts of these drinks is okay, they can add up in carbohydrate and calories. If you choose not to drink “diet” beverages, or those that are sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose or stevia, your choices are somewhat limited. Options include: water, seltzer water or club soda, flavored seltzer water, unsweetened iced tea (black, green, white and herbal teas are good) and unsweetened ice coffee. You can also try diluting a small amount of fruit juice, like cranberry juice, for example, with seltzer water to make a “juice spritzer.” If you use no more than ¼ cup of juice, you’ll consume about 30 calories and 8 grams of carbohydrate (but you’ll need to limit how often you drink this beverage, as, here too, the calories and carbs can add up). Continue reading >>
The 10 Healthiest Beverages (other Than Water)
The 10 Healthiest Beverages (Other Than Water) There are only so many times you can say, Just water forme, thanks, when the waiter takes your beverage order before you start to getbored. Water is a healthy and safe bet, sure. In fact, it cantbe beat. So what do you do when you want more options but dont want to strayfrom the healthy side of things? Luckily, there are actually severalbeverages that can do you one favor or another while spicing up yourwaterlogged palette. The powerful pomegranatehas been consistently praised recently for the hefty antioxidants it packs.Research has suggested that the red juice may help prevent inflammation, heartdisease, and cancer . So having a glass every now and then is a goodchoice. Just make sure you look at what you are drinking, as some bottles arediluted with other liquids or have added sugars. You want pure pomegranate.Dont accept anything less. Milk has always beenthere for you, hasnt it? Touted as an excellent source of calcium and vitaminD since you were a child, itmay seem like less of a grown-up drink than other options, but low fat and skim milk are still great sources of protein and other essential micronutrients. Andthese low-fat varieties are the best choices because they contain much lesssaturated fat than reduced-fat milk or whole milk. A cup of green tea is abetter choice than a cup of joe when that afternoon slump hits. You are jonesingfor a caffeine buzz, so this will do the trick, with just enough caffeine togive you that energy boost but not so much that you crash later.And you'll also get a nice side of antioxidants with each cup. A glass of fresh squeezedOJ really hits the spot, but some feel it takes too much effort to make on aregular basis. If that is the case, save it for when it will be most handy,like com Continue reading >>
What Juices Can Diabetics Drink?
It is recommended to consume citrus fruit juice Drink juice along with meal if you are diabetic Along with a diabetes-healthy diet, diabetics may consume certain fruit juices, but in moderation. Whole fruits, however, are a better and healthier choice than juices. Juices, such as grapefruit juice, pineapple juice and orange juice, if taken in moderation, are considered appropriate for diabetics. All types of citrus fruit juices are superfood for diabetics as they are nutrient-rich, says American Diabetes Association (ADA). Apart from citrus juices, diabetics may also drink apple juice for it is rich in fibre, lemon juice as it is low on carbs, tomato juice as it is low on sugar content and carrot juice as it is juiced raw. All fruit juices, however, also contain significant amount of sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Therefore, moderate consumption of fruit juices is advised. Carbs from juices also adds to your total intake of carbohydrates for the day. Having juice along with the meal can surely reduce the effects of sugar content of the juice. While citrus juices are low on Glycemic Index table, pineapple and orange juice is rated 46 and grapefruit juice is rated 48. Consumption of carbs present in the juices results in increased blood sugar levels, though the impact varies from individual to individual. Here are a few points that diabetics should consider if they wish to consume juices or other beverages. The recommended amount of a fruit or any other drink is 4 oz. per day. Drinking juices separately can lead to quicker spike in blood glucose level. Added sugar in the juices is a major concern for the diabetics well-being. Fruit and vegetable juice prepared with the original pulp is a good choice for diabetics. Two of the best juices for diabetics Continue reading >>
Looking For Something To Drink Other Than Water | Diabetic Connect
Looking For Something To Drink Other Than Water. Looking for something to drink other than water. By Krezlar37 Latest Reply2017-06-15 06:45:49 -0500 Hey folks, i am having an issue with finding something to drink besides water. I drink a lot of water and get sick of it at times. The catch to my situation is that i can't find something that does not have artificial sweeteners. Pretty much any of them i find have a aftertaste that i do not like and upset my stomach. I have tried multiple things. Looking for some help thank you. If you are not adverse to stevia, you may want to try SweetLeaf water drops. I also enjoy Safeway's Refreshe flavored seltzers - don't expect the syrupy potent flavor you would from a soda in these cans, but it gives a little flavor and the cabonation provides a nice change from time to time (and it does not contain any artificial sweeteners, as far as I'm aware). My favorite that I drink all the time is Zero Clear American found a Walmart. Comes in many flavors that taste like the real thing and it's sparkling as well. Highly recommend you try it. I drink it every day. Look at the LaCroix drinks there are different flavors but no calories, no fats, no sodium, no carbohydrate, no Sugars and no protein. They do take some getting used to but my wife even likes them. Lime, Grapefruit, lemon, orange , peach, cranberry and berry flavored carbonated water no sweeteners. What ingredients make up the Natural Flavors in the LaCroix flavors? The flavors are derived from the natural essence oils extracted from the named fruit used in each of our LaCroix flavors. There are no sugars or artificial ingredients contained in, nor added to, these extracted flavors. Take a small bottle of gatorade and add it to a gallon of waterit's my fave in summer. I can't do ar Continue reading >>
8 Drinks That Help Fight Diabetes
So one great addition to a healthier lifestyle for people who are living with diabetes is to include more water in your diet. The problem here? Plain water every day can taste kind of boring, and people with diabetes may already feel that their diets are restricted. So what are some good ways to up your water intake while not completely boring your palate? One simple solution is to incorporate spa water into your diet. With a name like that, it sounds indulgent, and fortunately, it can taste that way, too, while still being very good for you. Spa water is a delicious combination of fresh fruits, and sometimes herbs, that you can infuse into cold water. It's great to keep a pitcher in your fridge running, and you can mix up a variety of different combinations with whatever ingredients you like so that you don't get tired of the same tastes every day. We recommend a combination of diabetes-fighting lemon and lime wheels with some anti-oxidant-packed fresh berries. You can slice up just one or two strawberries and they'll infuse a whole pitcher of water with their bright, berry sweetness. Peppermint, which is thought to potentially help both nerve and digestive disorders associated with diabetes, can be added to spa water as well, for a fresh, invigorating, and healthful taste. Eating and drinking well is something everyone should enjoy, and having diabetes should never prevent you from doing that. But learning how to make healthy (and tasty) drink choices when you have diabetes may take some getting used to. Take a look at our suggestions to find out more about healthful drink options you should feel great about enjoying. Chamomile Tea No calories, big flavor, and a boatload of antioxidants have made chamomile tea trendy for health reasons, especially for diabetics. Resea Continue reading >>
