Staying healthy—no, just staying health conscious—is effing hard work, kind of like keeping up with the Joneses, but with kale (is it a miracle? Not so amazing as we thought? Terrible for the environment?). But bit by bit, we’re sorting through the torrent of science, trends and recipes in an effort to sort through the good, the bad and, as ModelFit nutritionist Vanessa Packer put it, “the poison.” First on our investigative list: the beverages, juices and elixirs we throw back in an effort to, uh, glow from the inside—from green tea to coconut water to $12 cold-pressed juices. Herein, the no-bullshit truth according to three certified nutritionists.

Hot lemon water

“I am a huge fan of hot water with lemon first thing in the morning. It jumpstarts the digestive system and awakens your senses to the start day. Citrus is also known to act as a mild diuretic, so it can aid in releasing a bit of excess water retention.” –Marissa Lippert, Registered Dietician, Nourish NYC

coconut water

“Coconut water can be a good source of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which can help re-hydrate the body. Some people swear by its anti-aging effects, which may be due to plant hormones called cytokinins. Be wary of brands that are highly processed, made from concentrates or have added sugar.” –Danielle Duboise, Certified Nutritionist; Co-Founder, Sakara Life

“I often liken coconut water to ‘nature’s Gatorade.’ High in potassium and electrolytes, I recommend it for post-strenuous workouts or if you’re feeling dehydrated (like after a loooong night out to battle a hangover!).” –Marissa Lippert

alkaline water

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “There’s no proven benefit to this product. Our body naturally regulates its pH balance.”]

apple cider vinegar

“I'm a big fan of apple cider vinegar. I use it in a lot of my homemade salad dressings. It has a long list of health benefits including preventing heart disease and diabetes, aiding in stomach ailments and supporting weight loss.” –Vanessa Packer Holistic Nutritionist, ModelFit; Co-Founder, Bonberi

kombucha

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “Personally, I love Kombucha, and even though the science is undecided, it's been used for centuries as a healing tonic. Listen to your body on this one. It's high in organic acids (powerful deto]

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “I’m a big fan when it’s good quality! It’s great for aiding in digestive health with the fermentation and probiotic cultures naturally found in the drink.”]

cold-pressed juice

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “Ideally the fruits and vegatables involved are organic or local to maximize nutrients and minimize chemicals or pesticides. They can be a great addition to your daily diet or serve as a light me]

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “If you're looking for a way to get more greens, I think cold-pressed juice is your best option next to eating greens. Cold-pressed can contain more intact enzymes, vitamins and minerals than it']

Mass-produced juice

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “Be an educated consumer. Some companies use flavor packets and 'natural' flavors that are anything but natural. Others, like Evolution, use a lot of organic produce, then follow by HPP-ing the j]

smoothies

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “Pros: smoothies can be a great way to get more greens, superfoods, minerals, vitamins and micronutrients. They also contain fiber, which allows you a little bit of room to play with sweet produc]

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “Smoothies can be too caloric, sugar-laden or large in terms of portion size. Stick to basic ingredients that you know and can pronounce and stick to small sizes! 12-16 ounces or less!”]

green bean coffee

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “I haven't dabbled with this much, but it's supposed to have health benefits due to the higher levels of Chlorogenic acid, which is said to prevent heart disease, diabetes and has been associated]

green tea

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “I love green tea. I drink it everyday. It's a great source of antioxidants and can curb food cravings. It contains caffeine, but I find it's an easier source of caffeine to process as opposed to]

tea cleanses

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “I like to drink tea everyday, but I wouldn't suggest the average person do a tea cleanse. With all cleanses, one needs to be at a very high level of health and lifestyle beforehand to really rea]

energy drinks

[Listicle particle error: Unhandled HTML element 'big' in post 2650791443 (context: Element not in supported or skip lists) Element HTML: “These are terrible for you. They are unnatural; your body cannot fully process the chemicals. It's poison, stay away!”]