Drinks can be an important source of calories and can have various health-related implications, from increasing blood sugar to creating other serious issues.
Consumers increasingly want natural beverages with functional ingredients such as probiotics and adaptogens that contain low or no sugar – organic options are also highly sought-after.
Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is perhaps one of the best-known natural health drinks, frequently depicted on TV commercials as undeniably healthy. But its actual nutritional profile can be more complicated; though store-bought orange juice does provide some essential vitamins and minerals, its excessive consumption could contribute to weight gain or blood sugar spikes more rapidly than solid foods would.
On the other hand, freshly squeezed orange juice offers an important source of vitamin C, essential for immune function and skin health, potassium (which helps lower blood pressure), fiber and pulp that may keep you feeling satisfied longer than other options. For optimal nutritional benefit, choose organic reconstituted orange juice without added sugars or artificial flavors.
Herbal Teas
No matter if it’s to help relax or perk up, herbal teas offer a refreshing alternative to caffeinated beverages. Made with ingredients such as peppermint, hibiscus, and ginger – each providing health-promoting properties which modern science has confirmed – herbal teas provide an appealing beverage option that provides refreshing relief without caffeination.
Herbal teas (also referred to as herbal infusions and, less frequently, tisanes) are created by pouring hot or boiling water over plant parts like fruits, flowers, spices, leaves, roots, seeds or bark and steeping them for an extended time to extract flavors and health-promoting compounds from them; hotter water provides more flavor for faster extraction.
History shows us that infusions were once widely used as natural medicines by people all around the globe, and they continue to be enjoyed today for their taste and potential health benefits. Chrysanthemum flowers, for instance, are prized for their soothing and therapeutic properties while Native Americans once relied upon its root as medicine – now featured as an ingredient in kombucha!
Coconut Water
Coconut water has quickly become an appealing healthy alternative to sports drinks and sodas due to its low calorie count and natural sweetness. Plus, its electrolytes – potassium, sodium and magnesium – replenish lost fluids and minerals during exercise, helping restore lost fluids and minerals through sweat. Furthermore, its natural properties include helping reduce dark circles under eyes, boost skin elasticity and soothe sunburnt skin while its antimicrobial properties inhibit bacteria that lead to acne breakouts.
Purchase coconut water that does not contain added sugars or flavorings and enjoy on its own or mixed into smoothies and vinaigrette dressings. Diabetics should aim for low-sugar brands. Monitoring potassium consumption is especially essential for those taking ACE inhibitor medications or have kidney disease; low potassium levels can lead to fatigue, cramps in arms and legs and abnormal psychological behavior.
Green Tea
Green tea can be an enjoyable beverage that helps support your health goals when prepared without sugar. Its healthful components include polyphenols, L-Theanine and EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate).
Green tea’s health benefits can be attributed mainly to its anti-inflammatory effects and polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, catechins, p-coumaric acid, quinic acid and ellagic acid; all of which possess powerful antioxidants which may protect against various forms of cancer.
Regular green tea consumption has been linked with reduced heart disease risk and can help support weight management when combined with a nutritious diet plan.
Our selection of green teas include pure varieties as well as specialty blends combining this delicate leaf with herbs, botanicals, fruits and spices for an array of unique flavors. When steeped at recommended temperatures and times for short amounts of time, green tea contains significantly less caffeine than coffee due to the presence of phenolic acids within its leaves – these also inhibit digestive enzymes, potentially helping reduce blood sugar levels and therefore blood pressure levels.
