Don’t Associate Energy Drinks with Healthful Living

Empty Calories. Rotting Teeth. Maybe those sports and energy drinks aren't all that good for you after all.

Sure you could use an extra dose of caffeine to wake you up....or you've just done a hard workout and want to replenish those electrolites...or maybe you want to delude yourself into thinking that flavored water is as healthy as good-old plain water. Well, here's your wake-up call.

According to a new study, sports drinks rot your teeth. Drinks like Red Bull and Gatorade, among many others, are filled with sugar and acid, which damage the enamel on teeth.

Scientists suggest chewing gum after having a sports drink because it stimulates saliva production and combats the acid. Rinsing with water may also help. (Chicago Tribune)

And Bob Harper, personal trainer from The Biggest Loser, says a 20-ounce sports drink is just as bad as a can of cola in terms of sugar that turns to fat in your body. Just because it's called a sports drink does NOT mean it will keep you healthy or fit by any stretch of the imagination.

Flavored water is loaded with sugar, as are 'natural' fruit juices. You should eat a piece of fruit rather than fill up on sugary fruit juice calories.

And those drinks with sugar substitutes only cause your body to crave MORE sugar.

Your best bet?  Lots of fresh, cold water.