Natural Isn’t Always Healthy: A Nutritionist’s Guide to Summer Beverages

Nutritionist warns against blindly sipping summer coolers: ‘Natural doesn’t always mean healthy’

With summer in full swing, the temptation to grab a cold, fruity beverage from the supermarket fridge is hard to resist. But nutritionist Dr. Reena Mehra cautions that these seemingly refreshing drinks often come with hidden pitfalls. “Many people assume that labels like ‘natural’, ‘organic’, or ‘real fruit juice’ mean a healthier choice—but these drinks can still be loaded with added sugars and preservatives,” she says. Terms like “fruit concentrate” or “natural flavors” might sound wholesome but often indicate heavy processing. Dr. Mehra also points out that many bottles contain more than one serving, doubling the sugar and calorie intake in just one go. Her advice? Always flip the bottle and read the nutrition label before sipping.

Rather than falling for marketing tricks or social media trends, Dr. Mehra encourages turning to simple, wholesome alternatives. “Infused water with mint, lemon, or berries, or traditional Indian coolers like chaas and nimbu-pani are far better options for hydration,” she suggests. Even drinks labeled ‘zero sugar’ can include artificial sweeteners that disrupt gut health and increase sugar cravings. Ultimately, it’s not just about what’s refreshing, but what’s actually nourishing. So next time you reach for a packaged drink, make it a mindful choice—your body will thank you later.