Drinking alcohol and having a glass of wine might help you relax after a long day at work, but it’s not good for your body. Alcohol can cause inflammation, which is the root of many diseases.
Here are 5 drinks that you can enjoy without worrying about the extra calories or the negative effects on your health:
- Green Tea
Green tea is an antioxidant beverage that has been used for centuries to promote health and prevent disease. Studies have shown that green tea may be beneficial in reducing inflammation and improving immune function.
- Rooibos
Rooibos is an herbal tea made from the leaves of a shrub native to South Africa called Aspalathus Linearis. The rooibos plant contains chemicals called flavanols, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Water with Lemon Juice
Lemons contain vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body that contribute to inflammation. Lemons also contain potassium, which has been shown to reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation, preventing clogged arteries and other cardiovascular problems associated with inflammation such as atherosclerosis.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in potassium and has a high concentration of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The antioxidants in coconut water are known to help reduce swelling and pain caused by arthritis.
- Black Tea
Black tea comes from the same plant as green tea but it’s processed differently so it has a darker color and less caffeine than green tea does. While both teas contain flavonoids, black tea has more of them than green tea because of its processing method which allows more flavonoids to remain in it during production. Studies show that drinking black tea may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 20%.