When in search of a hydrating and health-promoting beverage, water ought to be your initial intention. However, if you’re seeking variety, there are a number of health beverages available that are both delicious and provide a variety of nutritional benefits.
A word regarding fruit juices: Although we shall be discussing various fruit-based beverages, we are specifically referring to freshly squeezed juices or those lacking added carbohydrates.
Many fruit beverages on the market are loaded with preservatives and sugar, rendering them equivalent to the soda you are avoiding.
These are the 13 best health beverages, other than water, to drink guilt-free.
1. Black Coffee
Coffee is among the most prevalent methods to begin the day. Already in the morning, you are initiating your day with one of the first nutritious beverages available if you prefer it black. (Coffee is, in general, beneficial.)
Caffeine in black coffee provides more than the likely energy boost you’re seeking. Enhancing cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of a variety of diseases, including cancer, are all risks that coffee can help reduce.
2. Fruit-Infused Water
Everyone is aware of the health benefits of consuming water. Water supports body equilibrium, provides an energy boost for upcoming workouts, and imparts a healthy radiance to the skin. While it is generally recommended to consume ordinary water throughout the day, there are methods to add some excitement to a glass of water.
In order to enhance the flavor of your water, garnish your glass with segments of lemon, lime, and cucumber. In particular, lemon water will supply your body with vitamin C and promote weight loss. Its role in regulating the metabolism in combating obesity has been established.
Before consuming your handcrafted flavored waters, let the added ingredients infuse for several hours, or even overnight, if you are attempting to create authentic fruit-infused water. Additional delectable fruit-infused waters may contain ginger, watermelon, berries, botanicals, or even more.
3. Green Tea
When in search of a coffee substitute that possesses a remarkable nutritional profile, opt for green tea. Which beverage is the healthiest on a global scale? Green tea, apart from water, is frequently regarded as the healthiest beverage on the planet.
Green tea contains antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been associated with enhanced cognitive function, decreased cholesterol and blood pressure, and a diminished risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it benefits your dentition!
4. Low Sugar Wine
Moderate wine consumption is acceptable for the majority of healthy individuals. Certain wines even possess health benefits that are uncommon in other products. For instance, the resveratrol present in red wine has been associated with potential anti-cancer attributes and brain protection.
However, not every wine is created equal. One glass of that delicious dessert wine may contain up to seven grams of sugar. Seek out wines that possess an inherent low sugar content and do not incorporate any post-fermentation carbohydrates.
It can be challenging to locate an alcohol-removed wine brand that does not resemble sugary, saccharine grape juice in a bottle if you are attempting to reduce your alcohol intake. Without a doubt, nonalcoholic wines are more authentic in flavor.
For all the health benefits of a robust red wine without the morning-after regret, begin with our pinot noir.
5. Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice that is produced naturally is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and are heart-healthy. This is why it is considered one of the healthiest fruit juices available, surpassing orange juice in the majority of wellness regimens.
It is advisable to select pomegranate juice brands that do not contain added sugar to their beverages, particularly if one is monitoring their blood sugar levels.
6. Coconut Water
Coconut water contains natural electrolytes (minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium that provide energy and rehydration following exercise).
Additionally, low-calorie coconut water contains fewer carbohydrates and sugars than the majority of popular energy and sports beverages. Coconut water is more effective than most beverages at promoting hydration.
7. Kombucha
For years, this carbonated fermented tea has been a favorite in the natural health community. Consuming kombucha, which is loaded with probiotics (beneficial microorganisms), may aid in digestion, digestion support, and inflammation prevention.
Extensive research is currently being conducted on a variety of health claims attributed to kombucha. However, it has been discovered by scientists that the antioxidant properties of kombucha differ depending on the specific tea utilized during the fermentation process.
To enhance one’s antioxidant intake, red and green teas are considered optimal choices. Be cautious, as with everything else on this list, to select brands that do not contain added sugar when imbibing for your health.
8. Tart Cherry Juice
Although tart cherry juice may appear to be a bit of a niche product, its health benefits are well known to those in the know.
Uric acid levels in the body are known to decrease with cherry juice consumption, which can prevent gout flare-ups. This nutritious beverage has also been associated with improved sleep.
Consider purchasing beverages that do not contain added sweeteners or concentrate. If you are considering mocktail suggestions, this one could work well as an alternative to cranberry juice when made with seltzer.
9. Homemade Cocoa Drinks
Hot chocolate can be a nutritious beverage if prepared in advance and the sugar content of the ingredients is monitored.
As a starting point, use unsweetened cocoa powder of superior quality to experience the health benefits of cocoa, which include prevention of allergies, decreased risk of developing specific cancers, and anti-anxiety properties.
A low-fat dairy or plant-based milk fortified with vitamin D transforms this childhood indulgence into a pleasurable experience. While sugar-free beverages do not permit the use of marshmallows, natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or honey do.
10. Beet Juice
Increasing the intensity of your smoothies could be accomplished by incorporating beets into the mixture. Due to its anti-inflammatory and blood-flow-improving properties, freshly squeezed beet juice is a popular option among athletes seeking to enhance their physical performance.
Beet juice, also known as beetroot juice, is an excellent source of potassium, iron, and vitamin C.
11. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used since antiquity as a remedy for digestive issues and nausea due to its well-known anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, some individuals find the tea to have a calming effect, which assists expectant women in their search for natural anti-nausea remedies.
If you enjoy ginger’s flavor in other aspects of food preparation, by all means, use it. Including fresh or ground ginger as an additional seasoning preserves all of its health benefits while infusing your cuisine with flavor.
12. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is traditionally associated with preventing urinary tract infections, especially in susceptible women. However, mounting evidence suggests that cranberries, as a superfruit, may offer protection against various chronic ailments, metabolic disorders, and promote digestive health.
Simply keep an eye out for juice brands that do not contain added sugar, as certain juices can rapidly become sugar bombs if labels are not read carefully.
13. Golden Milk Turmeric Tea
Turmeric milk, or golden milk, is a heated beverage composed of unsweetened milk and an assortment of spices, including cinnamon, ginger, and the spice from which it derives its name.
Although its origins can be traced back to India, its prevalence has increased in coffee establishments and among individuals in search of novel hot beverages that have been shown to provide health benefits.
Research indicates that in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric may also have positive effects on mental health. There is evidence that turmeric can alleviate tension and functions as a natural remedy for depression.