Functional beverage sales have experienced exponential growth as more consumers prioritize holistic wellness. These drinks can boost immunity, provide energy or support the gut microbiome – and all without sugar, artificial sweeteners or gluten.
Lemon water offers abundant levels of Vitamin C, while green tea and coffee may help prevent diabetes. Kombucha and kefir both promote healthy gut bacteria.
Tart cherry juice
Tart cherry juice made with Montmorency cherries is known to contain powerful antioxidants and natural compounds like melatonin that may help relieve pain, inflammation and improve sleep. According to one study, long-distance runners who drank tart cherry juice experienced reduced muscle damage and soreness after intense workouts.
Tart cherry juice may help alleviate symptoms of gout, an inflammatory condition characterized by painful joint attacks. Researchers believe the antioxidant-rich anthocyanins present in this fruit may lower body’s uric acid levels – the source of most forms of gout.
Further research must be completed to support these claims, and remembering that excessive juice consumption can cause weight gain and other health issues should also be kept in mind.
Blackstrap molasses
Molasses is the result of refining sugar cane. Once refined, sugar cane is boiled down into raw sugar before being further processed to create light molasses and dark molasses. After yet another boil-over session produces blackstrap molasses with darker hues than its two cousins.
Natural health drinks containing numerous essential vitamins and minerals – from B6 and calcium to magnesium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. It may relieve constipation while supporting bone, heart and muscle health. In addition, its high concentrations of antioxidants could potentially protect against cancer.
Molasses contains both dietary fiber and fructose to aid digestive health, as well as calcium, magnesium and iron which may help protect against osteoporosis. Try mixing one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses into your glass of milk!
Fresh orange juice
Fresh-squeezed orange juice is a nutritious beverage with many health benefits, including lower diastolic blood pressure and inflammation reduction, improved fat metabolism and an improvement in memory retention. However, benefits may differ depending on body type.
Heat pasteurized or high-pressure processed (HPP) juice can dispel some beneficial plant compounds, altering both its flavor and vitamin content.
Orange juice may be packed with nutrients, yet still contain significant amounts of added sugars and calories that could cause blood sugar levels to spike. For optimal health and taste, choose undiluted orange juice that hasn’t been cut with water or other additives – this will ensure maximum benefits while still tasting great!
Cranberries
Cranberries are an integral component of many holiday dishes and beverages, from sauces to pie. Cranberries also boast antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – myricetin in particular can protect lipids from oxidative damage which reduces Parkinson’s risk; ursolic acid helps vascular health improve; while proanthocyanidins prevent bacteria adhering to bladder walls thereby preventing UTIs.
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are native to North America, Canada, and parts of Europe, where their fruit has long been utilized as food, fabric dye, medicine – even to prevent scurvy among sailors! Cranberry cultivation occurs throughout northern United States and Canada’s freshwater bogs with Wisconsin producing three-fifths of all American cranberries annually and providing excellent sources of Vitamin C and fiber.
Green tea
Green tea is enjoyed worldwide as an invigorating start to each day or afternoon treat, providing essential polyphenols known as catechins that protect against cancer and reduce inflammation. Studies indicate it may help prevent heart disease by decreasing triglyceride levels; additionally it may regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.
Green tea’s low caffeine content makes it a suitable beverage choice for people with sensitive stomachs or those looking to reduce their caffeine consumption. Enjoy it plain or combine it with herbs, flowers, fruits or spices for additional flavors!
Enjoy it without milk or sugar, which can dilute its antioxidants. For maximum benefits, enjoy it hot or iced; tap water may contain chlorine which damages antioxidants in tea made with it.
