People get in the habit of waking and grabbing for a morning coffee. Whether they make it at home or head to a local cafe, many love their coffee. However, it’s not the most healthy or cheapest drink to enjoy each morning. Water is very healthy, but it’s kind of a boring alternative to coffee. Here are a number of fun morning drinks that help start the day off healthy.
Green Tea
Green tea helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, and cavities. It contains a high amount of flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from carcinogens. They inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also protect the body from heart disease by relaxing blood vessels and inhibiting the formation of blood clots. The ingredient, fluoride, strengthens teeth, and flavonoids build bones to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and tooth decay.
Mint Tea
Mint tea eases cramps and helps with digestion. It is an antispasmodic; it relaxes muscles, which combats stiffness and aches. It helps food move through the digestive tract, which also promotes digestion. Read more at thealternativedaily.com for other healthy drink ideas.
One-Percent Milk
One-percent milk helps curb cravings and protects from osteoporosis. One-percent milk contains all of the components of a healthy meal (carbohydrates, protein, and a bit of fat). It takes longer to absorb so you feel full longer. Also, it stabilizes blood sugar, so you won’t feel like snacking. The ideal source of calcium, the vitamin D makes for ideal absorption. It also helps keep the body from storing fat. The calcium causes your body to burn fat rather than hold onto it.
Soy Milk
Soy milk lowers the risk of heart disease. It contains soluble fiber and soy protein, which lowers LDL levels and triglycerides. Buy soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D. However, soy contains phytoestrogens, which may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. If you have a history of breast cancer in the family, talk to your doctor about the risks and whether you should stay away from soy milk.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is known to improve moods and protect against heart disease. Chocolate increases the production of serotonin, which is responsible for regulating moods. Cocoa is rich in polyphenol and may protect cells against oxidative damage that lowers good cholesterol.
Low-Sodium Tomato Juice
Tomato juice may protect you against a variety of cancers. Processed tomato products are the richest source of lycopene, which has been connected with a reduced risk of lung and stomach cancer in addition to pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Lycopene protects the lungs and heart from oxidative damage, which helps ward off cardiovascular disease.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice helps prevent gum disease. Research suggests the same antibacterial properties in the juice also fight off urinary tract infections. It may also protect against periodontal disease. Many nutritionists do not support the ingestion of juice due to high sugar counts; limit your intake to one glass per day. Also, read the label and avoid varieties that say “juice drink” or “cocktail.”
Orange Juice
Orange juice may protect from cataracts, cancers, and birth defects in addition to boosting immunity. It’s a great source of vitamin C and may protect from a range of diseases. Vitamin C may prevent oxidative damage that can cause cells to grow cancerous. It improves immune-cell functioning, which enables the body to fight off infections. It’s a good source of folate, which protects from neural-tube defects in fetuses. Try a brand that contains calcium-fortified blends.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has inflammation-reducing and antioxidant properties. You can buy it as a supplement or elixir at a health food store.
Dandelion Root Coffee
Dandelion greens are getting mass market attention due to their detoxification properties. Don’t let the root go to waste. It’s known to be a liver cleanser and blood-sugar balancer. Unlike coffee, tea won’t give you the shakes and will keep you cool.
Nutty Smoothies
Nuts are high in protein and fiber and make a great afternoon snack. They are also great to use in a smoothie. Make a smoothie using cashew milk, protein powder, and nut butter to help elevate blood sugar levels. Some are prone to a 3 pm slump, but a nut smoothie can help reverse the drop of blood sugar, which is the real problem.
Drinking coffee can be a wonderful experience, but most make it a morning habit. Rather than grab for a coffee, get in the routine of trying beverages that provide a healthier way to start your day.
Harrison Gibbs is a healthy living life coach. Once obese himself with a lot of health issues he turned his life around through juicing. Now he shares his success story and tips and tricks by blogging. His articles appear on health and fitness sites, lifestyle sites and more.
Cranberry Juice is very good for keeping the body hydrated, especially pregnant women.