The things we eat and drink provide the energy and nutrients that keep us going, but they can do so much more. Many foods help us heal when we are unwell, some help to fight infections, while many others detoxify the body, boost our immune system, and prevent diseases.
That is why it is a good idea to make good decisions concerning the beverages we put in our bodies. They should serve the dual purposes of quenching our thirst while providing extra benefits to our bodies. Here are a few drinks that are good for you:
1) Fresh Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is chock full of antioxidants that prevent inflammation and heart disease, which makes sense since pomegranates are considered something of a superfood. They are also rich in vitamin C, and a glass of pomegranate juice gives you almost half of your daily requirement of vitamin C.
2) Green Tea
You should take up green tea if only to wean yourself off caffeine. It is hard to abruptly quit coffee, so use green tea to provide you with a low dose of caffeine and a host of health benefits.
Green tea is great for your health. It improves the performance of the arteries and prevents cardiovascular diseases. To increase the taste and flavor of green tea, add a slice of lemon, and maybe a little bit of honey.
3) Beet Juice
Beets are rich in nutrients and low in calories. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, which is why they make such a great drink. Beets are rich in iron, potassium, and folate, which are nutrients that are needed to keep a woman healthy during pregnancy.
Beet juice also lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that beets lower systolic blood pressure in a matter of hours. This is because beets are rich in nitrates, which dilate the blood vessels of the heart.
The juice also increases the rate at which cells burn oxygen during exercise, which is what you want to happen during a workout.
Beets are most effective when eaten or juiced raw. To put some flavor into your beet juice, add the juice of a citrus fruit like lemon or orange into the mix. You can also incorporate beet juice into a fruit smoothie if you are feeling adventurous.
4) Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is both delicious and healthy, but only if you use real cocoa, which is bitter. To sweeten your cocoa, use healthy sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which is a type of antioxidant that is found in wine, fruits, and vegetables. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and improve blood flow.
5) Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Take the time to squeeze your own oranges. It is completely worth it. Orange juice is delicious and full of vitamin C, which is important from a nutrition standpoint. Vitamin C also has a second and very useful benefit: It mitigates the effects of seasonal allergies.
6) Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is made from parts of the hibiscus plant. Most often, it is the flowers and leaves that are used. Usually, hibiscus tea is red in color, and it has a tart taste.
The tea is popular and can be taken as a hot or cold beverage. You can make yourself a hot cup of hibiscus tea by simply pouring hot water onto some hibiscus flowers or leaves. The tea can also be mixed with watermelon juice to add some personality to the juice.
Go ahead and find a hibiscus tea recipe. Learn how to make yourself a simple hibiscus drink that will take you through your day.
The health benefits of hibiscus tea are numerous. Because it is rich in antioxidants, hibiscus tea can be used as a detox treatment to clear away all those troublesome free radicals. Hibiscus tea has also been found to reduce blood pressure in people who take the tea over a period of time.
That said, hibiscus can interact with some blood pressure medications. Check with your doctor to find out if hibiscus will be friendly to your meds.
In a world full of unhealthy options, it is easy to choose convenience over health. Still, it pays to replace fizzy drinks with something healthier and just as delicious. Make the switch to a healthy drink of your choice today.
