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It’s that time of year when staying hydrated is essential especially if you live an active lifestyle. Exercising, spending time at the beach, even gardening outside can make you sweat in the summer heat. So it’s time to up your intake of fluids.
Don’t like water? No problem! There are plenty of hydrating beverages out there to drink instead. In fact, some do a better job at keeping you hydrated for longer than by just drinking plain water. A study from St. Andrews University in Scotland found that drinking beverages that have some sugar, fat, or protein keeps you feeling refreshed longer.
So the next time you plan on spending time outdoors, try one of these five super hydrating drinks that can help you beat the summer heat.
Got Milk?
Milk isn’t just for children. The natural blends of sodium, carbs and proteins can help you retain fluids longer and the calcium and vitamin D that is added to milk in the US makes it a very healthy alternative to water even on the hottest of days according to Taste of Home.
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Tea Served Hot or Iced
Whether you like it green, herbal, or black, tea has the same hydration effect as water according to Men’s Journal. So get refreshed and reap all the added healthy natural healing found in tea. You can drink it hot or iced.
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Fruit or Veggie Juice
Juices made from fruits or vegetables have a water content of 85 percent plus. Vegetable juice is even healthier than fruit because it contains less sugar. Some of the best juices to drink are orange, lemon, tart cherry, and beet. Just make sure that you choose 100 percent juice.
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Coconut Water
Coconut water contains 95 percent water so it is an excellent source of hydration according to Taste of Home. It’s loaded with health benefits— including antioxidants – and even better for you than drinking juice or sports drinks. If you want to reap the benefits of both, try making a lemon coconut smoothie.
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Sports Drinks
Almost all sports drinks contain sodium and carbs to help your body hydrate more effectively than just by drinking water but make sure that they do not contain more than 500mg of sodium according to Men’s Journal. Sports drinks like Gatorade come in a huge variety of flavors so there is something for everyone.
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Fruit Infused Water
Yes, it’s still water but adding fruit to it adds vitamins and health benefits. Add lemon, lime, watermelon, or any healthy summer fruit to make water even better. Take fruit water with you when you run or are just on the go in the summer heat.
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