Refreshing and Totally Healthy Drinks to Try (Except from Water)

Rebecca Lewis February 03, 2015

When it comes to healthy drinks, don’t think that water is the only option. There are many other beverages that taste good and at the same time, are so good for you and are effective in aiding many health problems, from day-to-day pains to more serious conditions like heart disease, depression and diabetes. Here are some of them.

Green Tea

Green tea is a great source of flavonoids and polyphenols – natural antioxidants that may protect cells from carcinogens. Such healthful compounds also give you protection against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. The flavonoids in green tea also promote strong bones, and guard you against osteoporosis and tooth decay.

Low-Fat Milk

Looking for a midnight snack? Get yourself a glass of low-fat milk. It’s a good addition to your diet too, if you are looking to shed excess fats, as milk contains carbohydrates, protein, and a little fat that keep you feeling full. And since it has vitamin D, it helps in calcium absorption as well.

Soy Milk

Soy milk contains soluble fibre and soy protein, which helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mint Tea

Mint is antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles. Sipping mint tea can therefore help reduce muscle stiffness and aches – common symptoms of fatigue. It also boosts digestion by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract.

Hot Chocolate

Make your own hot chocolate using brands made from 70% cocoa. Chocolate is full of antioxidants that protect your cells from oxidative damage, and help lower bad cholesterol levels. It also stimulates the production of serotonin – the neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood.

Tomato Juice

Why buy one when you can make your own? Tomato is an excellent source of antioxidant lycopene that is said to provide protection against varying types of cancer, particularly pancreatic, colorectal, oesophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Lycopene also prevents oxidative damage that often leads to heart disease.

Cranberry Juice

Studies suggest that the antibacterial properties present in cranberry juice may help fight off urinary tract infections, and protect against periodontal disease. Experts theorise that the ondialysable material (NDM) found in cranberry juice inhibits bacteria from sticking to the gums. Just make sure your buying the juice which says “100 percent juice” in the label, not ’juice drink’ or ’cocktail to avoid taking lots of sugar.

Orange Juice

An excellent source of vitamin C – orange juice contains healthful properties that provide protection against many health problems, including infection. It’s also a good source of folate, which protects against neural-tube defects in foetuses.