Water is the go-to beverage when it comes to quenching thirst and staying hydrated – but sometimes its taste can leave something to be desired!
Water, green tea and coffee all offer numerous health advantages while being completely calorie-free and rich with antioxidants.
Fruit juices and smoothies contain natural sugars that should only be consumed occasionally; one to two glasses daily are sufficient. As an alternative, sparkling waters with high quality ingredients may provide better solutions.
Water
Rizzo states that water is the healthiest drink as it helps quench thirst while supporting every process in our bodies, including mental performance and self-reported arousal levels in adolescents and young people. Studies demonstrate this phenomenon; staying hydrated improves mental performance in school-aged children and adults and boosts self-reported arousal levels in young people. Water can also prevent constipation by rehydrating your colon and providing essential fiber supplements.
Other healthy drinks to consider are low-fat or fat-free milk, 100% fruit juice and brewed green tea – but keep in mind these drinks contain extra calories and sugar; limit how often you have one!
Use creativity to add flavor to your water without adding calories. Try placing slices of strawberries, cucumbers, watermelons, oranges, limes or mint into a pitcher of ice-cold water to naturally enhance its taste. Or opt for sparkling beverages like mineral or spring water with more minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium content – these drinks have been found to aid in digestion, lower blood pressure and reduce risk for osteoporosis, according to The Fine Water Society report.
Green Tea
Green tea is naturally hydrating and boasts the amino acid L-theanine, which research suggests promotes focus and reduces stress. Furthermore, its powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols can protect against cancer and heart disease.
One large study demonstrated that those who consumed more green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer; while high doses of polyphenols in green tea may help impede breast cancer’s spread.
Women with premenopausal breast cancer who drank 6-8 cups of green tea daily had lower rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis compared with those who did not consume green tea.
But, if caffeine sensitivity is an issue for you, it may be wise to limit how often you drink green tea and coffee. A cup of brewed green tea contains about 100mg, while one cup of coffee can contain more than double that amount. If caffeine intake is a concern for you, opt for non-caffeinated varieties or use a thermometer in the kitchen when heating water to ensure your green tea reaches an appropriate temperature – too hot will make the flavor bitter while too cold may hinder absorption.
Mint Tea
Mint tea is an easy and healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks. The menthol found in mint may help regulate blood sugar levels, helping prevent energy spikes and crashes that often accompany sugary beverages.
Tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it the ideal beverage to sip during warm days. Add lemon to add extra zest or try making a delicious latte with it for an unforgettable beverage experience!
After the water has reached boiling, remove from heat and add several handfuls of fresh or dried mint leaves (or herbal mint tea bags) for steeping for three to five minutes before serving. You may add honey for an enhanced sweetness experience or use unsweetened green tea packets; be aware that some mint tea mixes may contain small amounts of caffeine from green tea sources; therefore this beverage may not be appropriate for those seeking complete caffeine abstinence.
Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented tea made of black and green tea, contains probiotics and antioxidants as well as glucaric acid which may support gut health while helping protect against metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Kombucha’s probiotic bacteria have been associated with better digestive and immune health, according to animal studies. Additionally, animal research indicates that its consumption may help lower cholesterol and stop angiogenesis from happening (which is the formation of new blood vessels that support cancer cells).
At the same time, however, it’s important to keep in mind that there haven’t been many human clinical studies on kombucha. Furthermore, improper preparation or storage could expose users to harmful bacteria; to be safe it’s recommended that store-bought pasteurized kombucha be consumed instead. Furthermore, its high histamine content could aggravate symptoms in people suffering from histamine intolerance.
