Tonic Drinks As A Snack

Prof. Dr. Bozhidar Popov is a scientist and lecturer with many years of professional experience as a specialist in nutrition and dietetics. He graduated as a doctor at the Higher Medical Institute, Sofia. He worked as a research associate at the Institute of Nutrition at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (later included in the structure of the Medical Academy - Sofia). He specialized in St. Petersburg and Moscow, where he mastered modern methods for studying digestion. In this field he defended his PhD and doctoral dissertation, discovering and researching for the first time the so-called "Intercellular digestion". He is chairman of the Bulgarian Society of Nutrition and Dietetics. He has over 200 scientific publications and published several collections and textbooks under his editorship. He has participated as a lecturer in many scientific nutrition forums in Bulgaria, Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.

His book "Myths and Truth about Food, Nutrition and Diets" provides the most accurate and objective data on the most important areas of nutrition science.

Here are some of Prof. Popov's tips on how to eat healthily.
 

For nutritionists and nutritionists, all foods that are taken outside of main meals, including drinks, are considered a snack.

Tonic drinks are those drinks that contain substances that tone the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. To some extent, they stimulate the secretory and motor function of the digestive system. These include coffee, tea and tonic soft drinks.
 

1. Cafe

Coffee is the most common invigorating drink. The main ingredients that determine the properties of coffee are caffeine (0.6 - 2.4%) and chlorogenic acid (up to 7%). Chlorogenic acid determines the bitter taste of coffee. The tonic effects of coffee are mainly due to caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Moderate consumption of coffee for a healthy person is without harm to the body. As a moderate consumption, take up to 3 cups of coffee a day.
 

2. Tea

Represents specially treated leaves of a tea plant. Its quality is influenced by the compounds that are easily extracted from dry tea - tannin, caffeine, essential oils and some vitamins - C, P, B1, B2 .

Tannins are tannins that determine the taste of tea - their average content is 8 - 15%.

In tea, the invigorating effects are due to caffeine and the extractives contained in it. These include tannins, which are responsible for the tart taste of tea and catechins, which strengthen the vessel wall.

It is recommended to take tonic drinks such as coffee and tea 2-3 times a day, as they will invigorate the body, slightly sweetened will charge it with strength. It is appropriate to drink a cup of coffee as a snack between breakfast and lunch, as well as in the afternoon. In addition to the tonic effect of coffee, it also supports mental activity.
 

3. Soft drinks

Tonic drinks also include soft drinks . The most widely used is the car, which got its name from the nuts of the car, containing a number of substances with tonic properties. Their tonic effect is proven, but their significant disadvantage is the high sugar content. The question is often asked whether carbonated soft drinks, which include the sweetener aspartame, are safe.

Aspartame is approved for use in food and beverages in more than 100 countries and is used in more than 6,000 products worldwide. In 2011, the European Food Safety Authority issued an official opinion that aspartame was safe to consume. However, I recommend taking tea and coffee as tonic drinks.
 

4. Fluid and water needs ...

Fluid requirements for the body are equal to 2 liters per day for women and 2.5 liters for men. Water along with oxygen and food are the main factors for life, which is why it is necessary to supply in optimal quantities daily. Some of the water resources are also supplied by food products, some of which, such as fruits, vegetables and milk, have a high water content. The body also supplies about half a liter of water during the metabolic breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, which releases carbon dioxide and water.

Mineral watercan be drunk every day if it is low mineralized. Some of the mineral waters are high in minerals and their daily consumption is not recommended. Low-mineralized waters also have an advantage over tap water because they have a constant composition, good quality and safety control and ease of consumption.

One loses water constantly through urine, feces, skin and exhaled air. Water loss in an adult is about 2.5 liters per day. Water losses increase with high temperature and increased physical activity. Dehydration (dehydration) due to insufficient fluid intake reduces mental and physical performance, impairs attention, leads to fatigue and headaches, increases the risk of kidney stones and constipation.

Thirst is a sign that dehydration has already occurred, so I advise you to drink fluids before they occur. It is best to consume fluids at a moderate temperature, avoiding very cold and hot drinks.