1. Orange Juice
Orange Juice is probably the most popular of the healthy beverages in stores. Orange juice is high in antioxidants and important vitamins and minerals that can help prevent inflammation, improve heart health, and prevent kidney stones, and it tastes amazing. The one downside to orange juice is that one cup contains 110 calories and some store-bought juices have added sugar, which increases their calorie count.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is another antioxidant-rich beverage to add to your day. Not only does green tea help prevent inflammation and certain types of cancers, it may also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and bad breath. Since green tea also boosts your metabolisms for a short while after drinking, it can also help you lose weight.
3. Lemon or Lime Water
Lemon or lime water can help you stay hydrated while boosting your immune system. Adding two tablespoons of lime juice to water adds 9 mg and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice adds 11 mg of Vitamin C, 12-15% of the daily recommended amount. Because these citrus fruits have such bright flavor, they might help you drink more water every day.
4. Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate seems like an unlikely beverage to make it onto this list, but if you make it with cacao powder rather than the more processed cocoa powder, it has many beneficial nutrients. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, but cacao powder tastes bitter on its own, so mixing it into recipes is the best way to consume it. Try mixing milk, honey, cacao powder, and vanilla for a healthy, decadent treat.
5. Cucumber Water
Cucumber water is another refreshing beverage that delivers a powerful antioxidant punch. Cucumbers contain Vitamin C, beta carotene, manganese, molybdenum, and various flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Because cucumbers are also a good source of potassium, they can help lower your blood pressure. Cucumbers are very low-calorie, so adding thin slices of cucumber to a pitcher full of water will add very few calories to your drinks.
6. Coconut Water
Coconut Water is another thirst-quenching beverage that helps regulate blood pressure and keep you hydrated because of the minerals it contains. Unlike coconut milk, coconut water contains very little fat and one cup of it contains only 60 calories.
7. Aronia berry Concentrate
Aronia Berry Concentrate is a versatile product that you can use in spritzers, smoothies, dessert drinks, and cocktails. Aronia berries contain vitamins and minerals, and the highest percentage of antioxidants compared to other fruits, so they help almost every system in our bodies function better. While they can give you a dry mouth feel due to the tannins they contain, when mixed with something lightly sweetened, they make a delicious and off-the-charts healthy beverage.
Being healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Choosing some of these nutritional options can help you meet your daily hydration goals while adding beneficial nutrients to your diet. Experiment to see what you enjoy
