Staying hydrated is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health and overall well-being. An average American carries water bottles everywhere they go. Not only that, water has become the second most popular drink (after soft drinks).
Undoubtedly, water is the ultimate beverage for filling our hydration needs. Yet, there are many other drinks as well, offering additional health benefits. These drinks help in digestion, promoting healthy skin, protecting organs, boosting the immune system, and providing essential nutrients.
There are so many water products from the big brands on the market. Choosing from so many convincing options can be difficult. So, how can you decide which drinks will be healthier for you and all your loved ones? We’re here to do just that!
This page will help you explore some of the top picks for drinks that are healthy for you.
1. Water
Can anything beat plain water? No, it’s logically not possible. Water is an incredible gift of nature — a readily available, calorie-free source of hydration for all living beings.
Water is crucial for nearly every bodily function, including eliminating toxins, regulating temperatures, and transporting nutrients to cells.
With this, your skin keeps glowing, your digestion flows smoothly, and your overall health shows the vibrant signs of life. This only happens if you drink enough water every day.
We have some handy tips for those who find plain water unexciting. Adding a quick splash of lemon, fresh mint, or cucumber slices can enhance the flavor without compromising its health benefits, even adding to them.
Also, have you heard about infused waters? They’re also a great way to enjoy a refreshing, nutrient-packed drink while staying well-hydrated — a win-win, seriously!
2. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are caffeine-free, full of antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds. Here are some of the common types that are categorized among the healthiest drinks you can choose:
- Energising Green tea
Known for its high levels of antioxidants, including catechins, different flavours of green tea help fight inflammation and boost metabolism while supporting heart health.
- Medicinal Chamomile
It’s a soothing drink that’s often consumed for its calming effects. This makes it a go-to choice for stress relief and improved sleep.
- Flavorful Peppermint
A fast-acting, refreshing option that can help digestion and relieve bloating. Peppermint tea also reduces stomach discomfort by relaxing the smooth muscles of the intestines. It works best to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Warning: Peppermint tea is not advisable for patients with acid reflux or gall bladder issues. They should seek professional help before consuming peppermint beverages.
- Refreshing Ginger tea
This soothing herbal beverage is best known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Alongside many other benefits, it helps with digestion, nausea, inflammation and boosts the immune system.
Now, you can have a fair idea why these popular choices stand out. Herbal teas are not only hydrating but also offer targeted health benefits according to the ingredients used.
3. Coconut Water
Do you also feel an instant urge for energy from a tasteful, refreshing drink? Then coconut water is your go-to drink. It’s a naturally sweet and highly refreshing beverage — rich in electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, and sodium).
Isn’t it a wonderful post-workout beverage?
With fewer calories than most sugary sports drinks, coconut water has no artificial additives. This makes it a healthier option to replenish lost fluids and minerals. Coconut water is the perfect drink that will replenish your body without any unnecessary added sugar.
If you’re thinking about using the healthiest drinks after intense exercise, coconut water is an excellent option for rehydration without unnecessary sugar.
4. Freshly Squeezed Juices
Fruit juices are also nature’s best gift to humankind, offering the most incredible flavors and nutrients. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are great sources of energy when you consume them in moderation. They’re rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Have a look at some of the healthiest juice options:
- Apple Juice: Maintain hydration levels, control digestion, and support heart health with apple juice, as it’s packed with antioxidants and dietary fiber.
- Carrot Juice: Carrots promote eye health and support the immune system. This miracle vegetable is high in beta-carotene.
- Orange Juice: Orange fruit is a rich source of vitamin C. It improves the immune system and skin health.
- Green Juices: Green juices are made in many different ways. It combines spinach, kale, celery, and cucumber. These fluids are nutrient-dense and can help detoxify the entire body.
We know that fresh juices are healthy. However, watching your portion sizes is equally important to avoid higher levels of natural sugars. Prefer vegetable-based juices; this way, you’ll be able to reduce your sugar intake.
5. Smoothies
Take smoothies as your versatile powerhouse. These heavy-duty drinks can be prepared according to your unique health needs. By combining fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and yogurt, you can create a power-packed blend filled with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Follow these simple tips while making a smoothie, and you’ll maximize your health benefits:
- Your base ingredient, milk, should be unsweetened almond milk, coconut water, or plain yogurt.
- Include leafy greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
- Incorporate healthy fats like chia seeds, avocado, or flaxseeds to sustain energy.
6. Bai Drinks
Bai drinks gained popularity amongst health enthusiasts because of their antioxidant-rich composition and delightful flavors. They contain minimal levels of calories and sugar, which makes them an even healthier option.
These refreshing alloys are sweetened with stevia and erythritol — a low-calorie alternative to various sugary drinks on the market. So, for this common concern, is Bai water good for you? The answer is yes, due to its low-calorie content, natural ingredients, and antioxidant incorporation.
7. Plant-Based Milks
Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk are all categorized as plant-based milks. These are excellent alternatives to conventional dairy. What makes them a healthy choice is they’re fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
They’re an excellent choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant or are vegan. Each type of plant-based milk has its unique benefits:
- Almond Milk: Low in calories and naturally rich in vitamin E, which supports skin health.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and high in fiber, making it a great option for heart health.
- Soy Milk: Nicely packed with protein and low in saturated fat, soy milk is ideal for muscle building and cholesterol management.
8. Kombucha
This probiotic-rich drink is a fermented tea, having beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Kombucha’s taste is slightly fizzy and comes in a variety of flavors. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to improve digestion and boost their immune system.
We suggest choosing kombucha options with low added sugar to make it a healthy part of your diet.
9. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a nutrient-packed beverage that’s underrated. It’s packed with valuable collagen, amino acids, and minerals. Some of its countless benefits are:
- It supports joint health
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Helps with digestion, and many more.
Sipping on warm bone broth is also a comforting way to stay hydrated. The taste is so amazing that you can’t resist one more cup. This experience becomes even more enjoyable during colder months.
Key Takeaway
Staying mindful of what you drink is essential, as it will directly impact your health. Conscious consumption of clean water will help keep you hydrated and promote overall health with every sip.
Besides water, you can intake various other types of drinks available on the market, including herbal tea, nutrient-packed smoothies, and plant-based milk just to name a few. However, these drinks cannot substitute plain water or other natural drinks in your diet.
Bai water, for instance, is a low-calorie, antioxidant-enriched water soft drink that is healthier than other sodas that contain a lot of health-draining sugar.
