Navigating the waters of healthy beverages can be tricky, with fancy coffee drinks providing a caffeine boost but often being loaded with sugar and having as many calories as a donut.
Kefir is an effective and nutritious option, packed with probiotics said to prevent disease, strengthen lungs, and protect brain function.
Green Tea
Green tea has long been prized for its refreshing taste and health benefits. Crafted from Camellia sinensis leaves, green tea contains high concentrations of disease-fighting polyphenols including epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG).
EGCG inhibits cancer cell growth, stimulates fat burning and prevents weight gain – this makes it popular among residents living in Blue Zones such as Okinawa where rates of obesity and chronic diseases tend to be lower. Furthermore, multiple studies have demonstrated that those who consume the most green tea have lower risks of heart disease and death.
Notes on green tea are few and far between; it should only be consumed under medical advice if taken with certain cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Atorvastatin; it’s best to consult your physician prior to drinking this beverage, and adding milk could decrease its antioxidant effects; one 8oz cup contains less than three calories without protein, fiber, fat, or sugar added!
Coconut Water
Coconut water, the clear liquid found inside unripe coconut fruits, is often used as an natural health drink to support wellness as its abundance of potassium and electrolytes is an important source of electrolyte replenishment.
Coconut water may provide athletes and those suffering from kidney stones with significant advantages. As a natural diuretic, coconut water helps flush away excess salts and minerals in urine to help prevent kidney stones. Furthermore, it may treat mineral poisoning such as lead or mercury poisoning.
Studies suggest that coconut water may help mitigate oxidative stress in damaged livers, an important benefit since oxidative stress has been linked with inflammation, liver damage and other serious illnesses.
Coconut water’s lower sugar content compared to juice and other high-sugar beverages makes it an attractive option for people living with diabetes, but should still be consumed sparingly; those taking medications for high blood pressure or kidney disease should seek advice before drinking excessively.
Beet Juice
Beets are an extraordinary vegetable, packed with nutrients and water-soluble antioxidants known as betalains that offer protection from oxidative stress that has been linked to conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Beet juice’s nitrates support your body’s production of natural nitric oxide, an oxygen-rich gas which widens blood vessels, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure. A 2020 study demonstrated this benefit: those drinking beet juice with added nitrates experienced lower blood pressure than those sipping on a placebo beverage without added nitrates.
Juice contains potassium and magnesium, both essential for maintaining a healthy heartbeat, as well as folate which is needed for healthy gestation, birthing and nervous system development. Folate prevents high homocysteine levels which could otherwise lead to heart disease or dementia, making this diet particularly recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, alcoholics and dialysis patients.
Mint Juice
Mint is an aromatic herb from the Mentha genus that has long been utilized in culinary and medical settings, providing cooling contrast against zesty lemon flavors to make a refreshing beverage that supports wellness while satisfying taste buds.
Mint leaves contain high concentrations of antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative stress. They also boast antiseptic and digestive properties, making mint an excellent addition to any diet. Moreover, mint can help alleviate symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as stomach pain, gas, and bloating.
To make this juice, combine all the ingredients in a blender until well blended, pour into glasses, and enjoy. For an added twist add ice cubes before serving for maximum refreshment! You may use either fresh lemon juice or bottled, although fresh is ideal to ensure maximum flavor and nutrition benefits from this detox drink. For even greater health benefits opt for organic coriander and mint leaves grown without chemical fertilisers and synthetic insecticides for an even greater boost to health benefits!
