{"id":102082,"date":"2025-05-07T06:30:14","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T06:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=102082"},"modified":"2025-05-07T06:30:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T06:30:14","slug":"coffee-tea-are-your-favorite-daily-drinks-really-hydrating","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/coffee-tea-are-your-favorite-daily-drinks-really-hydrating\/","title":{"rendered":"Coffee, Tea\u2013Are Your Favorite Daily Drinks Really Hydrating?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo Credit: Westend61<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Struggling to drink plain water but easily downing cups of coffee or tea<\/a>? You\u2019re not alone, but this habit might not be as beneficial as you think. While these beverages appear harmless, they may not deliver the hydration you expect.<\/p>\n

Naturopath Julia Monnier, in an interview with Marie Claire<\/em>, makes it clear: \u201cYes, coffee, tea, and herbal infusions are water-based, but consumed in large amounts, they don\u2019t hydrate\u2014and can have the opposite effect<\/strong>.\u201d In other words, they might not count toward the daily 1.5-liter water goal and some might actually promote dehydration.<\/p>\n

Why Coffee, Tea, and Certain Herbal Teas Are Not Hydrating Drinks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Coffee is often the main culprit due to caffeine, known for its diuretic effect. It stimulates the kidneys to accelerate water elimination rather than retention, leading to dehydration.<\/p>\n

Tea fares little better. Theine (tea\u2019s caffeine) acts gentler but retains diuretic properties. Worse, it can interfere with nutrient absorption like iron, vitamins, and minerals. Herbal teas<\/a> depend on ingredients\u2014some, especially \u201cdetox,\u201d include draining plants that increase water loss.<\/p>\n

Julia Monnier offers an exception: \u201cFor a hydrating warm drink, rooibos is best.<\/strong>\u201d Rooibos tea, free of caffeine and theine, provides hydration and comfort in one cup.<\/p>\n

Smarter Alternatives and Simple Tips to Drink More Water<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For true hydration, plain water is key. It\u2019s the only drink that maintains fluid balance\u2014not soda, juice, or alcohol, which combine diuretic effects with excess sugar or salt. Even salty broths can cause water retention.<\/p>\n

If plain water bores you, enhance it<\/a> with lemon juice, mint, or cucumber slices for an appealing twist without sugar or additives.<\/p>\n

Here are tips to build better hydration habits:<\/p>\n