The drinks are marketed as healthy, but an expert says they aren't - and one is just 'herbs and laxatives'Neil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)08:12, 06 Jul 2026A cardiologist has shared the five 'healthy' drinks he avoids, warning that what's on the label and what the science says are often two very different things. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a private cardiologist in London, said the problem is hiding in plain sight: “Some of the most damaging things people put in their bodies come in bottles marketed as healthy.”‌“There are specific drinks I would certainly try to avoid, despite their alleged health benefits,” he said.‌Diet fizzy drinks‌While opting for diet choices may seem like the healthier option, Dr Lo Monaco warns this isn’t always the case. “Observational studies have linked high consumption of diet soft drinks with increased rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” he said.“They also keep your taste set on very sweet flavours, which makes healthier swaps much harder.”‌Sports drinksDrinks promoted for their performance-boosting benefits have become common, but if you’re not an elite athlete, these drinks could actually be hindering your health, rather than helping it. He said: “For most people, they’re just sugary soft drinks in sports branding, adding calories you never needed to replace in the first place.“For normal workouts, water is usually enough; if you're exercising intensely, sweating heavily, or training for long periods, a sugar-free electrolyte drink once a day can be a sensible addition.”‌Detox teas‘Detox’ has become a buzzword in health and wellness spaces in recent years, but it could be the most misleading term of all. “Often a mix of strong caffeine, laxatives and herbs, these products come with side effects but no shortcut to real, lasting heart health,” Dr Lo Monaco said.“They can also delay people from seeking proper medical advice when something is genuinely wrong.”‌KombuchaAnother popular wellness drink, but due to high sugar content it can seriously impact your cardiovascular health if drunk too often. He said: “Some commercial kombuchas contain substantial added sugar, so it's worth checking the nutrition label.‌“If you choose them, look for low‑sugar brands and treat them as an occasional drink, not a daily tonic.”Canned coffeeMany canned coffee may feel like a shortcut to your daily fix, but Dr Lo Monaco warns the nutritional reality is far removed from a home espresso. “Coffee itself is fine but some pre-made versions add syrups, cream and soft‑drink‑level sugar on top of your usual daily calories,” he explained.Article continues below“Over years, that habit can show up as weight gain, higher triglycerides and worse blood sugar control.”