NewsAmerica's thirst for bottled water reaches newall-time high of nearly 26 billion gallons a year
By Joni Hubbard/For the Daily Gate City Get quenched! Water - it makes you feel good. Now more than ever before, bottled water has become more than just a trendy thirst quencher. It is a vitamin drink, an energy drink, a bubbly drink and a sport drink. Americans' thirst for bottled water has reached an all-time high of nearly 26 billion gallons a year. Choose a drink that is right for you. Energy drinks: Enhanced with a few extra ingredients, energy drinks are designed to give an energy boost. Additives include caffeine - a well-known stimulant; B vitamins - promote energy; ginseng - may help reduce fatigue; and taurine - an amino acid that is good for heart health. Try Red Bull, SoBe, Fruit20. Mineral water: Naturally bubbling with minerals such as calcium and magnesium, mineral waters are especially beneficial for those who suffer from too much stomach acid. The high calcium content will help ease indigestion and also keep bones strong. Favorites include Sanfaustino and Gerolsteiner. Artesian water: Refreshing with a clean flavor, artesian waters are tapped deep from within the earth surface in naturally occurring aquifers. Look for Fiji water. Purified water: Clean, crisp and refreshingly pure, all minerals and impurities are removed from the water before bottling by distillation or reverse osmosis. Those with compromised immune systems may benefit from purified water. Good choices: Penta and Dasani. Spring water : Naturally flows from an underground spring, the water may be bubbly. The flavors will vary depending on the minerals the spring flows through. Enjoy Acqua Panna, Poland Springs and Evian. Preparing for the Hy-Vee Triathlon? Enjoy running, swimming, biking or other activities? Remember to drink plenty of cool, refreshing water and other beverages throughout the day. If you need help preparing for the big race or other events, contact your favorite Hy-Vee dietitian for expert advice in sports nutrition. Find a dietitian near you at Hy-VeeHealth.com. Mint-Green Tea Lemonade 4 cups cold water 6 green tea bags 2 1/2 cups water 1 (12-oz) can Hy-Vee frozen lemonade concentrate 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves In medium saucepan bring 4 cups water to boiling; remove from heat and add green tea bags. Allow tea to steep several minutes. Discard bags. In 2-quart pitcher, combine tea water; 2-1/2 cups water, lemonade and mint. Chill at least 2 hours. Strain, if desired. Nutrition facts: 102 calories, 26g carbs, 1g fiber, 4 mg sodium. Lemon Tea with Iced Grape Kabobs Fun for a Saturday afternoon or family gathering. 48 red grapes 6 Hy-Vee tea bags 4 cups hot water 4 cups cold water 1 cup Hy-Vee lemonade concentrate, thawed. On each of 6 wooden skewers, thread 8 grapes. Place in freezer for 2 to 3 hours to freeze. Meanwhile, brew tea bags in hot water. Discard bags. Stir in cold water and lemonade concentrate. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Pour tea into tall glasses and serve with a frozen grape kabob for stirring. Serves 6 (1-1/2 cup servings). Nutrition facts: 100 calories, 26g carbs, 10 mg sodium. Joni Hubbard is a registered dietitian at Keokuk Hy-Vee. Copyright © 2010 - Daily Gate City
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