Read the Label

When it comes to pinning down the pros and cons of functional beverages and their purported health benefits, the best advice is to carefully read the label. And to verify health claims somewhere other than the company website, preferably with a reliable health or medical professional. For the most part, products that come from Mother Nature and offer minimal additions of sugar and additives are your best bet. But there’s nothing wrong with indulging in “fads” or fun beverage trends, as long as the list of ingredients is safe. And hey, in the end, good old H20 is still one of the best functional beverages out there, one that’s easy to swallow and light on the pocketbook.