Thirsty? Before you reach for that Coca-Cola, energy drink or high-sugar juice substitute it’s important to ask: What will this do for my body?
Our bodies need to stay hydrated to stay healthy, but the aforementioned drinks just won’t cut it. Below are four beverages that promote health.
Kombucha
This first drink we’ll cover today is a bubbly and tart fermented tea known as kombucha. At first glance this beverage might seem strange.
It looks murky and sometimes there is even “stuff” floating in it. What gives?
Kombucha is sometimes called the “tea of life” due to the fact that the drink is full of living cultures known as probiotics—live bacteria and yeasts essential to your digestive system.
If you were to lose the good flora in your gut, you’d undoubtedly suffer a slew of unpleasant tummy troubles.
Circling back, the “stuff” floating in your kombucha is just natural separation that occurs during the fermentation process; and the fermentation process is responsible for all the healthy probiotics.
In the past decade, kombucha has gone from a niche health product to a mainstream beverage. Flavors range widely from raspberry lemon to rosehips blueberry basil, so you are bound to find something just for you. Your taste buds will love it, but not as much as your tummy!
Teas Galore
Speaking of probiotics, there are a number of other drinks that offer similar benefits. For instance, some brands of lemon ginger tea actually contain probiotics which aid in digestion.
Not to mention that ginger is an anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulant which helps reduce bloating and discomfort after meals.
Of course, probiotics teas aren’t the only teas that promote healthy living. Green tea is full of antioxidants and is even helpful in appetite suppression.
Chamomile is a natural and drug-free sleep aid. Lemongrass eases digestion. Ginseng improves memory and cognition. These are just a handful of examples. Explore different kinds of tea to see which one best fits your bodily needs.
Organic Coffee
While some people enjoy the delicate flavors found in tea, others savor the bold taste of coffee. Well, lucky for them because organic coffee boasts a number of health benefits!
Organic coffee contains several healthy nutrients your body needs, including B vitamins, potassium, antioxidants and more.
Better yet, research shows that it is also helpful in preventing certain diseases including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, Parkinson’s, and certain forms of cancer.
Now admittedly, some people take issue with coffee drinks because they believe it may be causing them stomachaches.
Interestingly enough, it might not be the coffee causing this, but the machines used to make coffee; as these often harbor bacteria and acids. Therefore, if you want to get the benefits or coffee without the consequences, it might be time to switch to machine-free organic coffees.
Alkaline Water
We all know that water is the stuff of life. But did you know some waters are better than others? It may sound strange at first, but it’s true.
Alkaline water is a health beverage growing in popularity. What separates alkaline water from “normal” water is its pH – a spectrum reaching from alkaline (closer to 14) and acidic (closer to 0). Normal water sits at a neutral 7 while alkaline water is closer to a pH of 8 or 9.
Why does this matter? Well, foods and drinks with higher acidity tend to be rough on the gut. By drinking alkaline water, people are able to bring balance back to their digestive systems.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Alkaline water is also useful in boosting immune systems, resisting cancer, promoting hydration, improving skin health, and possibly even slowing the aging process.
By combining these healthy beverages with a smart diet and regular exercise, you can really do your body good. So, nix the sodas and the sugary drinks to stay healthy, friends!
Leave a Reply