(NAPSI) — If you’re like 64 percent of Americans, you drink a cup of coffee every day.

While many coffee drinkers still prefer their coffee black in its most natural form, coffee tastes have evolved over the years. Today, the market offers many caffeinated beverages formulated with sugar and fat that add calories and can offset the inherent benefits of caffeine, such as alertness and a feeling of increased energy.

Health-conscious consumers, however, are making dramatic changes to their diet and choosing food and beverages that not only taste good but offer nutritional benefits as well. There is an almost endless number of new drink products that provide more than great taste—they help people reduce calorie intake and fuel their day. Recently, the coffee category has started growing with novel alternatives to sugary coffeehouse beverages with healthy ways to start the day or provide an afternoon pick-me-up.

While people drink coffee throughout the day, they are, increasingly, seeking something more than a caffeine pick-me-up. Alternatives are available that are great tasting, low fat, packed with protein and deliver a feeling of energy all in one. Coffee drinkers who want alternatives to sugary drinks, as well as something that offers nutritional benefits, are turning to Herbalife Nutrition High Protein Iced Coffee. It contains two grams of sugar and no artificial flavors or added colors. The 100-calorie drink mix is big on taste and provides 15 grams of protein and 80 mg of caffeine per serving.

“Everyone loves the refreshing taste of iced coffee but not the calories and sugar that come with many coffeehouse options,” said Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND, Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition. “Our high-protein iced coffee is the perfect healthy snack and is a great alternative that can be enjoyed at home or on the go.”

Bowerman offered some additional delicious and nutritious beverage suggestions:

Digestive Health

Gut health is a hot topic as people try to find new ways to keep the body in balance by consuming foods and beverages that support a healthy digestive system. Kombucha, vinegar and probiotic-enhanced drinks continue to garner a lot of interest to support a healthy gut. However, many probiotic drinks are filled with sugar to counter the taste of yogurt. A healthy, old-fashioned option to aid digestion is to keep hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Drinking too little water slows down the digestive system. Perhaps best of all—water has zero calories.

Sugar Reduction

Obesity rates in the U.S. continue to soar. Fortunately, it can be easy to cut sugary drinks out of the diet and swap with lower-calorie options. Instead of hitting the juice bar, consider replacing juice with fruit.

Learn More

For more facts and tips, go to www.herbalife.com.

(NAPSI)—The next time you need to wipe up a spill, health expert Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Environmental Microbiology, University of Arizona, aka “Dr. Germ,” warns: don’t always reach for a sponge or dishcloth.

Instead, use a paper towel. That’s because kitchen sponges, which he calls “bacteria cafeterias,” are the No. 1 source of germs in the house. The average sponge carries nearly 5.5 trillion microscopic bugs.

When to Reach for a Paper Towel

1. According to a recent study on cleaning habits, the majority of millennials reach for sponges or cloth dishtowels when cleaning surfaces that have raw meat or poultry. Dr. Gerba recommends using paper towels, especially when prepping and cleaning up raw meat and eggs. Sponges and dishtowels can instantly become contaminated after handling these foods, which may contain bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, Dr. Gerba explains.
2. Paper towels should also be used to help contain spills and prevent them (and subsequent germs) from spreading around the kitchen. Whether soaking up bacon grease or cleaning up oil splatters, paper towels pick up spills quickly and efficiently. For larger oil spills, cover with baking soda or salt for about 15 minutes, then pick it up with a paper towel and throw it out.
3. When cleaning the refrigerator, dampen a paper towel with warm water and dish washing liquid and wipe down all trays, drawers, shelves and walls at least once a week. Using a sponge increases the risk of bacteria spreading around the various surfaces and shelves.
4. When kids are in the kitchen, use paper towels to clean-up everything from spills on high chair tables to sippy cups and bibs. “This ensures germ-ridden messes get tossed right into the trash and don’t linger on kids’ items,” adds Dr. Gerba.

When People Actually Reach for a Paper Towel

While there’s been an increasing amount of studies and data showcasing the high bacterial risks associated with kitchen sponges and cloth dishtowels, a recent study on cleaning habits showed that a over half of millennials (59 percent) and nearly half of baby boomers (49 percent) reach for a sponge or cloth dishtowel when cleaning kitchen counter tops.

Even more surprising, less than half of millennials think they run a risk of possible illness or food poisoning by not cleaning these kitchen durables.

The truth is, sponges and cloth dishtowels become germ-infested as soon as they’re first used in the kitchen.

As for baby boomers, most clean their cloth dishtowels once a week, which is still not as frequent as it should be (ideally, everyday). Also, how to clean is just as important as when to clean.

“Cold water washes are awful for eliminating bacteria from fabrics,” says Dr. Gerba. “Washing sponges in warm water does not get rid of the bacteria unless you add bleach,” he adds.

So when it comes to helping keep your kitchen clean and germ-free, let a paper towel be your shield.