We often don’t realize the damage we’re doing to our health.
It’s not about alcohol, as one might assume. Some drinks are a delayed health hazard, and we even think of some of them as beneficial. But recently, researchers from Ben-Gurion University compiled a list of the most harmful beverages for humans, and the results are surprising.
1. Hot Tea
Hot tea seems harmless, right? After all, the Chinese drink tea almost non-stop. The problem here lies in the temperature. We tend to enjoy our tea piping hot. However, all hot drinks (not just tea but also scalding coffee or soup) can burn the esophagus, leading to microtraumas and inflammation.
Over time, these seemingly minor irritations can increase the risk of developing cancer. So, let your tea cool down and be kind to yourself.
2. Milkshakes
This is the opposite extreme—drinks that are too cold. Cold beverages can cause the same issues as hot ones. Plus, milkshakes can negatively affect brain function, making you feel sluggish and slow.
Fitness trainers also warn that milkshakes are excellent for weight gain. If your goal is to put on a few pounds, drink them to your heart’s content—but maybe warm them up a bit.
3. Strong Coffee
In moderation, coffee is beneficial: it wakes you up, boosts energy, and speeds up metabolism. However, very strong coffee can cause blood vessels to spasm, leading to a sudden spike in blood pressure followed by a sharp drop. This can leave you feeling unwell.
Your arteries won’t thank you for these experiments, and your brain, struggling with spasms, won’t either. And if your coffee is loaded with sugar, you’re setting yourself up for more serious health issues down the line.
4. Energy Drinks
Not long ago, there was a terrifying story in the news: a young man, a family man with two children, worked so much that he relied on energy drinks to stay awake. It ended tragically—he became disabled, and doctors had to remove part of his brain after he suffered a stroke from the high dose of stimulants.
Even in “moderate” amounts, energy drinks are not safe, and they can be downright dangerous. You never know when your body will rebel.
5. Packaged Juice
Sugar, and more sugar. There’s often even more sugar in boxed juice than in cola. This means you’re inviting diabetes, bad teeth, weight gain, and other modern health issues linked to sugar overload.
Packaged juices contain minimal vitamins and minerals, but they often come loaded with artificial sweeteners, which can be even worse than sugar itself.
These drinks might seem harmless, but over time, their effects can be serious. By being aware of what we consume, we can make better choices for our health.