Healthy living habits are the buzzword today in a world that is abounding in medical and health related problems. Everywhere you turn around there is a new disease discovered and a new drug in the making. People are turning to every corner trying to find things that they can do to slow down the aging process in the hopes of avoiding the health related problems that come with aging. Yoga and meditation schools are full with enrollments, stress reduction classes are filled with students young and old and people are flocking to health and fitness clubs in record numbers.

The food intake of people has changed also. People are consuming less red meats and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. People are consciously reading nutrition labels on foods and snacks. All this is therefore going in the right direction. Until medical science finds a cure for all diseases known to mankind, the old adage of prevention is better than cure still holds true today as it did centuries ago. One thing that has not been touched in a strong manner however, is the choice of beverages that people make. Thirst and the need to quench thirst is a basic human instinct and the desire to subside thirst is as basic as the desire to satisfy hunger. Thirst is the indication the body gives to the tongue that it needs liquids. These liquids are needed to keep the body hydrated as well as to enable the absorption of nutrients and minerals provided in the foods consumed. Water is also needed to keep the bowels and intestines clean and the blood thin and flowing properly.

Yet people seem to be consuming a tremendous level of sugar filled and caffeine loaded beverages. Excessive consumption of sodas and carbonated beverages is not good for the human body. Water in its plain form is the best beverage for the human body. When you do not feel like drinking plain water and feel like having something sweeter, choose fresh squeezed fruit juices. Fresh squeezed fruit juices like apple juice, orange juice, mango juice, etc provide added nutrients while tasting naturally sweet. Avoid canned juices since they may contain all kinds of preservatives. Purchasing a juicer or juice blender may be the best investment you made for your health. If you love drinking milk, try to drink skimmed or one percent fat milk. Milk provides calcium which is good for bones and teeth. There has been a lot of discussion about the consumption of red wine. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation only. Excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to the liver which performs very important functions for the human body. All said and done, plain water is the best beverage for the human body and provides the necessary hydration that is needed for proper functioning of all of the organs.

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