5 August 2015
15 Beverages That Will Surely
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Beverages And The Choices We HaveOf all the beverages available to us pure water is undoubtedly the best choice to quench thirst. Some types of teas are also healthy choices.
Beverages like fruit juices, milk and diet drinks should however be consumed in limited amounts. Sweetened beverages like soda, sports drinks and energy drinks are the worst choices and should be avoided by everyone who is health conscious. They are packed with sugar and calories which greatly reduce the good effects of some nutrients they might contain. Sweetened drinks can lead to weight gain and obesity, increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and gout. Energy drinks additionally contain enough caffeine and other additives that may cause unknown effects on health. By choosing these healthy drinks you will do yourself good. Not only will some of them quench your thirst and provide variety, you will derive valuable nutrients from all of them that will boost immunity, help to protect you from disease and best of all make you not feel guilty about consuming them. For those times when you wish to have a change of flavor and taste here are some healthy drinks options for you. Lemon JuiceTaken first thing in the morning lemon juice will help flush the kidneys and body clean of toxins, stimulate bile production and boost digestion.
Lemon juice purifies the blood too and the limonene in it slows down the growth of tumors. Lemon juice is a good diuretic and boosts body immunity as well. Orange JuiceRich in vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity, keep away colds and help prevent infections, orange juicealso prevent cataracts, reduces cancer risk and prevents neural tube defects in the growing fetus.
It helps to reduce inflammations, prevents plaque deposition in arteries, lowers LDL cholesterol and regulates blood pressure, all improving heart health. It is wonderful for the skin and brings a glow to it helping to ease away sunburn as well. Green TeaAround midday when one feels lethargic and wishes an energy boost drink a cup of green tea. Green tea will give a tiny shot of caffeine and a whole lot of antioxidants to pep you up.
Polphenol and flavonoid rich green tea reduces inflammation, risk of heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. It also helps to prevention unnecessary formation of blood clots preventing stroke and heart attack. Beetroot JuiceFree from trans and saturated fats and loaded with magnesium, calcium and iron, beet juice will help to protect your liver health.
It also aids in improving oxygen use, increases stamina and improves blood flow to the organs therefore it is of special benefit to those who exercise especially if they consume it afterwards. The natural nitrates in beetroot lower blood pressure especially the systolic or the upper reading of the blood pressure. Kale JuiceLoaded with vitamins A, C and K, and rich in several minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorus.
The fiber in kale binds to the bile acids and lowers blood cholesterol. Kale juice ensures good strong bones and reduces risk of cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants in kale juice help improve skin health, erase away wrinkles, prevent premature aging as they prevents damage caused by free radicals. It is rich in both omega-3 and omega-6 which makes it an excellent one to improve hair growth and strength, prevent hair breakage and dandruff. Chamomile TeaMint TeaDid you have a tiring day? Then go for a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed to calm your nerves and ensure good sleep.
Chamomile tea benefits both the skin and hair because of its cleansing, nourishing and moisturizing properties. It has healing properties as well aiding in disinfecting and healing wounds. Antioxidant rich chamomile tea not only prevents and treats acne but eliminates acne marks. It reduces puffiness of the eyes and soothes them too. It can be made both with fresh and dried leaves.
Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients the main active ingredient menthol not only betters digestion, it also calms stomach cramps, relieves flatulence and controls acidity. Good for relaxing muscles and relieving pains and aches, keeps oral infections at bay and improves skin health. The salicylic acid prevents development of acne, blemishes and blackheads and gives a glowing complexion. Mint tea prevents morning sickness in pregnant women and relieves pain at menses time. 1% Reduced Fat MilkSoy MilkRich in protein and carbs, and low in fat, it helps to keep one full longer. Also stabilizes blood sugar. Being rich in calcium it helps one to lose weight as well as a study has found in women who consumed 3-4 servings of low fat dairy a day.
It supplies at least 20% of the daily value of Vitamins B2, D and phosphorus and about 35% of the daily requirement of calcium and helps in making bones stronger. Rich in soluble fiber, potassium, manganese and phosphorus, and of course protein it reduces risk of heart disease.
Soya milk though contains phytoestrogens that are linked to increased risk of breast cancer. So, if you have had it or have a family history do consult your doctor before consuming it. Being low in calories and rich in fiber and protein it aids in lowering weight by keeping the tummy full longer thus avoiding hunger pangs. It is free of cholesterol, reduces LDL and triglycerides, raises HDL, and improves heart health. Hot CocoaRich in antioxidants and flavonoids hot cocoa helps improve blood circulation, reduces blood pressure and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.
It also reduces inflammation and lowers risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. The flavonoids prevent formation of blood clots, improve oxygen availability to the brain, reduce risk of dementia and make for better mental clarity. It elevates mood. The polyphenols in cocoa help keep the HDL levels up as well. Tomato JuiceTomato juice improves digestion, boosts liver function, prevents constipation. It improves colon health, reduces risk of prostate cancer and cancer of the pancreas.
The antioxidants lower inflammations reducing severity of diseases like asthma and diabetes. Rich in lycopene tomato juice not only protects against a variety of cancers but also cardiovascular disease and protects the lungs. Tomato juice promotes strong bones and better skin health. It is good to maintain healthy eyesight and also lower stress. Cranberry JuiceLicorice TeaThe polyphenols in cranberry prevent tumor formation in a variety of organs.
Cranberry juice flavonoids and antioxidants prevent plaque deposition in arteries, improve oral health by protecting the teeth from plaque and bacteria from clinging to them. The H.pylori bacteria growth is curtailed in the stomach and thus it reduces chances of ulcers developing in the stomach. Has antibacterial properties and fights urinary tract infections, prevents gum disease and oral infections. Drink 100% cranberry juice and limit consumption to a glass per day because of its sugar content. Probably one of the most beneficial of herbal teas it has anti inflammatory properties that reduce arthritic pain and swelling.
It has antispasmodic and helps also to ease PMS. It also has expectorant properties, aids in expelling mucus when suffering from respiratory problems. Licorice tea helps to soothe sore throat and alleviates cold. Kombucha TeaDetoxification of the liver is enhanced by the use of this tea. The glucaric acid in it aids in preventing cancer.
The glucosamines in kambucha tea not only prevent arthritis but treat it as well. They preserve the cartilage and maintain lubrication of the joints, reduce pain and swelling. It is rich in probiotics and not only improves digestion but also regularizes the bowel movements. Kombucha tea also boosts immunity. Ginger TeaGinger tea helps to control and alleviate nausea and vomiting and soothes the stomach whether it is travelling related or due to pregnancy.
It improves digestion, prevents gas and bloating. Also improves appetite. Reduces inflammation, reduces arthritic symptoms like pain and swelling. Relieves respiratory problems like colds and allergies. Relieves stress/tension, boosts immunity and enhances male fertility. Some Of My Other Articles On Healthy Foods |
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