Alternatives for Soft Drinks

Did you know that Coke would be green if there was no colouring added to it? The health dangers of soda are not new. Soda consumption has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, as well as to rising rates of obesity.

Coke has also been known to be useful for:

1. Removing grease stains from clothing and fabric
2. Removing rust; methods include using fabric dipped in Coke, a sponge or even aluminum foil. Also loosens rusty bolts
3. Removing blood stains from clothing and fabric.
4. Cleaning oil stains from a garage floor; let the stain soak, hose off.
5. Killing slugs and snails; the acids kills them.
6. Cleaning burnt pans; let the pan soak in the Coke, then rinse.
7. Descaling a kettle (same method as with burnt pans)
8. Cleaning car battery terminals by pouring a small amount of Coke over each one.
9. Cleaning your engine; Coke distributors have been using this technique for decades.
10. Making pennies shine; soaking old pennies in Coke will remove the tarnish and even dissolve them!
11. Cleaning tile grout; pour onto kitchen floor, leave for a few minutes, wipe up.
12. Dissolving a tooth; Use a sealed container…takes a while but it does work.
13. Removing gum from hair; dip into a small bowl of Coke, leave a few minutes. Gum will wipe off.
14. Removing stains from vitreous china.
15. Got a dirty pool? Adding two 2-liter bottles of Coke clears up rust.
16. You can remove (or fade) dye from hair by pouring diet Coke over it.
17. Removing marker stains from carpet. Applying Coke, scrubbing and then clean with soapy water will remove marker stains.
18. Cleaning a toilet; pour around bowl, leave for a while, flush clean.
19. Coke and aluminum foil will bring Chrome to a high shine.
20. Striping paint off metal furniture. Soak a towel in Coke and lay it on the paint surface.

Isn’t it about time you and your family kicked the soda habit? Get started with one of these healthier low-calorie thirst-quenchers, sure to still satisfy your taste buds.

Flavored waters have been popping up all over the place, but many still contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. A healthier choice is natural flavoring: Just add slices of your favorite fruits and veggies — lemons, oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, cucumber, mint, or limes — to a pitcher of ice-cold water or soda water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Another great option is to put chopped-up fruit in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Place these colorful fruit cubes in your beverage for instant flavor and color!

Mixing Juice and Soda Water mans there's no need to purchase sugary sodas or pricey vitamin enhanced waters, which also pack calories. Mixing 100 percent juice with seltzer yields a tastier, healthier, and less expensive drink. A thick, tart juice, such as cranberry, pomegranate, or grape, makes for a great jeltzer base in addition to supplying health benefits. Studies have shown that cranberry juice might protect against urinary tract infections and kidney stones; pomegranate juice is a great source of vitamins C and B; and grape juice has antioxidants that may help protect your brain and blood vessels. Mix one part juice with three parts seltzer to create this light and bubbly concoction.

Stevia is an herb with a very sweet taste, but it has no carbs or calories. Research has also found it to be beneficial in managing obesity and glucose intolerance. Stevia is  growing in popularity among holistic and organic food markets as a dietary supplement. It can't as yet be sold as a sweetener, though. Available in powder form, flavored stevia is inexpensive, sweet, and easily dissolves in cold water or soda water for a delicious drink that will help you forget about soda.