Despite tasting great, soft drinks aren’t the best option for your health.

Here are some expert-approved healthy alternatives to soft drinks to try instead.

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Cutting down on soft drinksor replacing them altogether!is easier said than done.

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Healthy alternatives to soft drinks

1.

It can also protect against oxidative stress and DNA damage.

Plus, its a great way to check that you use it all up before it goes bad.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

Thereslemonade,raspberryreally, whatever youre into.

Iced tea

Unsweetened iced tea is a super-refreshing healthy alternative to soft drinks.

Plus, the caffeine content is a natural pick-me-up, Armul says.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Dont turn your iced tea into sweet tea with tons of added sugar, though.

Hot tea

Not a fan of iced tea?

Go for the hot kind.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

There are numerous different types to choose from, including green tea,peppermint,chamomile, andchai.

Hot tea has similar health benefits to coffee and can be very calming, Armul says.

It can also support good digestion and a healthy immune system.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

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Why is quitting soft drinks considered preventive medicine?

Well, let us count the ways.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

For one, all the sugar in soft drinks certainly tastes great.

Theres no denying that.

Unfortunately, it can come at a cost.

According toHarvard Medical School, sugary drinks are the biggest source of calories and added sugar in U.S. diets.

According to Armul, typical soda is high in empty calories and drinking it can lead to weight gain.

It can alsoincrease your risk of strokeby 16 percent.

Thats not even it.

Diet soda isnt a great replacement, either.

Furthermore, the chemicals in the soft drink plastic or aluminum containers can also be harmful.

Replacing sodas with healthy alternatives to soft drinks can help prevent various health issues in the future.

Replace a couple sodas every day with an alternative beverage.

Do you like zero-calorie sports drinks or iced teas?

Can you try infusing water or a water-flavoring product?

Knowing the reason behind your love of daily sodas can be key in helping you drop the unhealthy habit.

Is it an afternoon pick-me-up?

A moment for you to relax away from work?

Once you observe why youre reaching for the soda, you could make smart substitutions.

Before you know it, your desire to drink soft drinks will be a thing of the past.

Originally published May 14, 2020.

Updated with additional writing and reporting by Jessica Estrada.

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