Healthy beverages that are free from sugar, preservatives and GMOs have gained much-needed attention recently. Some even include vitamins and minerals to provide various health benefits.
Watermelons contain L-citrulline, an amino acid known to improve oxygen transport and muscle performance, while other fruits offer antioxidants and nutrients to support immunity, skin health and digestion.
Infused Water
Substituting fruit, vegetables and herbs for water as an easy way to increase vitamins and nutrients is an easy and delicious way to increase our nutritional intake. Infused water tastes deliciously refreshing while providing a healthier alternative than sodas and sugary juices.
Drinking infused water is a great way to strengthen immunity and gain essential minerals and antioxidants. Incorporating ingredients like cucumber slices or mint leaves may provide soothing relief from digestive discomfort while cleansing the digestive tract, while citrus fruits contain Vitamin C for improved immunity while adding an appealing fruity taste to water.
Use only fresh ingredients and wash them well to avoid pesticides and dirt that could cause illness. Let the ingredients sit for at least two hours in either room temperature or the fridge, preferably both, before consuming them. Be mindful to limit citrus fruit consumption as this could wear down teeth enamel over time.
Green Tea
Green tea, produced from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plants, has long been consumed as a healthy beverage. Packed with polyphenols – antioxidants which may protect against disease – as well as natural stimulants like caffeine which may improve mental alertness and enhance energy, green tea has long been considered one of the best beverages to increase overall wellbeing.
Anti-inflammatory properties of L-theanine have been demonstrated to help mitigate rheumatoid arthritis, intestinal inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, L-theanine is well known for promoting relaxation and improving mood.
Caffeine found in green tea may help improve insulin sensitivity, which in turn aids blood sugar management. However, excessive consumption may cause dehydration and raise blood pressure in some individuals. For pregnant women specifically, high doses of caffeine could lower folic acid levels further and increase birth defect risks when taken in combination with certain medications.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water can be an ideal healthy alternative to sugary sodas and carbonated beverages, such as energy drinks. When consumed unsweetened and unflavored, it won’t harm teeth or contribute to bone loss like soda does, while it may even help relieve digestive problems such as acid reflux and constipation in some people.
These healthier sparkling waters contain natural flavorings without added sweeteners or calories, offering healthier alternatives to flavored sodas and helping ease the transition away from regular soda if you’re trying to kick your habit.
Anderson-Haynes advises that sparkling water’s bubbles can encourage people to drink more in order to satisfy thirst and stay hydrated, however too much bubbly water could cause bloating, burping and digestive discomfort for some people, especially those struggling with gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Carbonated water can also provide houseplants with increased photosynthesis rates.
Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks
Increase energy and focus without experiencing the jitters or crashes associated with traditional caffeine-based drinks. Caffeine-free energy sources have become popular with students, professionals, gamers and esports athletes seeking natural ways to enhance cognitive performance.
Natural ingredients, like guarana and taurine, provide a balanced boost in energy without the side effects associated with synthetic stimulants or excessive sugar intake. Many beverages also include stress-relieving herbs or adaptogens which help improve mental clarity while increasing resistance to fatigue.
Consumers have become more sensitive to the quality of ingredients found in their food and beverages. Labels and Nutrition Facts Panels that communicate benefits derived from naturally-occurring nutrients can build brand trust and acceptance among their target audiences.
Mood Drinks
Mood-boosting beverages promote emotional health by encouraging calmness and stress relief. Concocted from adaptogen herbs, these drinks aim to decrease anxiety while increasing focus. Enjoy them morning or evening as part of an effective wellness regime such as mindfulness or exercise – regular consumption will bring long-term rewards!
Mood-boosting drinks come in various flavors and formats, from soothing herbal teas to nutritious smoothies. Their ingredients such as L-theanine, ginkgo biloba extract and turmeric extract promote mental clarity and concentration while botanicals such as chamomile and valerian root help ease tension and promote relaxation. Furthermore, mood-boosting drinks contain amino acids and B vitamins for neurotransmitter regulation, helping balance your mood and improve cognitive function.
