Nine hydrating drinks that are healthier than water

Date: Aug-25-2016The only drink that's actually healthier than water doesn't exist; that would be the one from the fountain of youth, a mythical form of water that many of us wish existed. It's hard to beat the whole zero-calorie, guilt-free, drink-as-much-as-you-want persona that water has going on - but there are certainly alternatives to a glass of plain old tap water that can add to its benefits.

We live in a great time for fruit-infused water; you can make your own or you can buy a pre-bottled version.

Water itself is the ultimate hydrator, and there are many hydration hacks that involve tweaking water ever so slightly. What we'd like to provide you with now, however, is a list of some potable alternatives to water that contain healthy components regular water does not.

While there is no fountain of youth-type drink in the following list, each entry contains more health-promoting things such as antioxidants and amino acids that aren't found in water alone.

While adding a (clean) lemon to your water is a great health tip, the following beverages benefit from having a bit more flavor than that provided by a squeeze or two of citrus.

From probiotics to vitamins and minerals typically excluded from the standard American diet, the healthy components in the following drinks make them, to some extent, "healthier" than water.

Aloe water

Aloe water, a filtered version of aloe juice, has recently achieved a superfood-like drink status. Aloe, considered to be the plant of immortality by the ancient Egyptians, is packed with antioxidants and is known to have potent regenerative properties. Aloe water is a great detoxifying agent for the gut, and it helps stimulate cell growth and repair wounds. Like coconut water, it can be of immense benefit when used internally or externally and is widely used for health and beauty purposes.

Beet juice

Yeah, we know, beets have been dubbed nature's candy. This vegetable, however sweet it may be, is still incredibly beneficial. We have many reasons why you should consume beets (and many ways in which you can do so), and companies like Beet Performer, pūrjus, and Red Ace make ready-to-drink beet juices that can provide you with some of the cleanest natural energy you'll ever have. Beware of the sugar, but bask in beets' potassium, B vitamins, carotenoids, magnesium, and iron.

Coconut water

Hungover 20-somethings and fit parents alike flock to coconut water, but the question that begs an answer is: Is coconut water really that good for you? Here's the deal with coconut water: The more natural it is, the better. Drinking real, natural coconut water from an actual coconut is much a healthier form of hydrating than a bottled or packed version that has added sugar. Real coconut water is low in sodium and rich in potassium, helping you hydrate in ways that regular water cannot.

Fruit-infused beverages

There are plenty of healthy fruits you can infuse in your water, and we highly suggest doing so. If you'd like to try a premade version of fruit-infused water, ultimately upping both your flavor and hydration games, then look to companies like CORE Organic, which sell a variety of these hydrating, antioxidant-rich waters. CORE organic, in particular, has less than 1 gram of sugar per serving, totaling five calories per serving, and packs in the same amount of antioxidants as a half cup serving of blackberries or cherries.

Guayusa tea

"Similar to yerba mate, guayusa is an all-natural energy supplement derived from a plant," says The Daily Meal special contributor Fabiana Santana in a piece on healthy alternatives to energy drinks. "Indigenous cultures in Ecuador and Colombia traditionally drank guayusa from a gourd as part of an early morning ritual. Guayusa has as much caffeine as coffee, but it is also rich in antioxidants and chlorogenic acids, which benefit the heart."

Looking for a great boost of clean energy from guayusa leaves? Try one of Runa's Clean Energy Drinks. These beverages benefit from containing antioxidants, L-theanine, polyphenols, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid. With no sugar added, low-calorie and lightly sweetened, and zero calorie options, Runa produces an alternative (and hydrating and healthy) caffeine source for everyone

Maple water

We went to our favorite brand of maple water, DRINKmaple, for the skinny on what this delicious sounding beverage is (spoiler alert: It's not a fancy name for less viscous, more drinkable maple syrup).

"DRINKmaple is the pure, refreshing water collected from Vermont maple trees in the spring. It is naturally hydrating, with just a hint of maple, and exploding with nutrients."

Low in calories and more flavorful than regular water, maple water is something you should consider adding to your hydration arsenal. If you're looking for a more flavorful way to hydrate that all of your friends will be curious about and envious of, we consider sipping on low-sugar, manganese-packed maple water.

Powdered tea packets

You probably knew this, but the benefits of tea are vast and varied. The stuff is so good that some people even suggest eating tea leaves. If you want to experience the health benefits of tea, including boosted antioxidants and increased metabolic rates, in a new and trendy way, consider powdered tea packets.

Brands like Pique Tea (a company that brews and crystallizes their loose-leaf tea) are free from artificial ingredients and preservatives and are made from top-grade whole-leaf tea (sourced directly from the farm at peak freshness, using a proprietary process that locks in the natural tea antioxidants and fresh flavor of premium, whole-leaf tea at their maximum potency). Pique's powders, in particular, offer high amounts of antioxidants, persistent energy, healthy hydration, and fresh tea flavor in an instant.

Probiotic water

If you want your stomach to feel, well, like nothing (i.e. normal and happy), consuming probiotics regularly is a great way to make it happen. And, before you ask, no: Your probiotics don't need to come in tiny capsules filled with millions of active bacterial cultures. Suja's Pressed Probiotic Waters will not only keep your tummy and immune system happy, but they'll also help you stay refreshed and hydrated all day long.

Watermelon water

This month, DRINKmaple launched its newest innovation, DRINKmelon Organic Watermelon Water - the only 100 percent organic watermelon water on the market. Other companies, such as WTRMLN WTR, make similar watermelon-based waters. DRINKmelon in particular is a plant-based, single-ingredient, functional beverage made from domestically-sourced organic watermelons.

Despite the popular notion that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients, naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including potassium, citrulline, lycopene, and vitamin C.

Written by The Daily Meal

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.