Top 5 Myths about Drinks - debunked by Dietitians

1. Diet Pop is healthier than Regular Pop
   One can of regular pop contains ~135 kcal whereas a can of diet pop contains less than 10 kcal; some even contains zero kcal. Therefore it is true that diet pop contains a lot less calories. However, it is rather difficult to agree that diet pop is "healthier" as there is really nothing healthy about artifically colored and flavored water.
   
    
2. It is less fattening to drink juice than milk
   Many people are surprised to learn that a glass of juice contains more calories than a glass of 1% milk. Even 2% milk has only 10 kcal more than a glass of fruit juice which has 120 kcal! While juice contains mostly sugar and some vitamins, milk has more nutrients such as protein, calcium, potassium and Vitamin D.
   
    
3. All bottled waters such as sparkling water, tonic water, flavored water, and mineral water are WATER
   Yes, plain bottled water is water and is calorie-free. Some flavored waters are made with water and real juice. However, many flavored waters are flavored with artificial sweeteners but contain little juice. Tonic water, for instance, has 125 kcal per serving. Hence, always read the label and check the ingredient list. If you drink bottled water instead of tap water regularly, make sure it contains fluoride.
4. Drinking wine instead of beer won't make a beer-belly
   It is a common misconception that wine contains fewer calories than beer. It is simply not true. One glass of wine (5 oz) contains ~130 kcal whereas one bottle of beer (12 oz) has ~150 kcal. Therefore, wine contains more calories on a per-oz basis. As a general rule, the sweeter the wine, the more sugar and calories it contains. By the same token for hard liquor; the higher the proof, the higher the calories.
   Remember this next time when you are contemplating for a second helping of alcohol: calories from alcohol tend to be stored as fat in the abdomen. So if you drink alcohol on a regular basis (regardless of the kinds of alcohol), watch out for the beer-belly!
5. Coffee is the main source of caffeine
   Friends have often told me that they quit drinking coffee for the sake of their hearts.  Little did they know that the can of pop in their hands has caffeine too! Caffeine is widely found in tea and canned drinks. Some drinks, such as Jolt and Red Bull, contain as much caffeine as coffee! In general, there is no harm to your health if you drink coffee in small to moderate amounts. However, it is advised that people with high blood pressure and pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption.