A refreshing drink is one of life’s little pleasures. Soft drinks, fruit juices and specialty coffees are just a few of the indulgent drinks. But if you suffer from health issues, finding a tasty drink that also has anti-inflammatory properties can be an ongoing challenge.
Inflammation is a normal and essential bodily process. It’s how the immune system responds to illness, injury, and bacteria. Typical inflammation causes pain, swelling, and discoloration, but the discomfort should be mild. But for some people, inflammation can develop in healthy tissues and become a problem. Luckily, you can structure your diet to help fight inflammation. Whether you suffer from chronic inflammation or are simply trying to maintain a health-conscious lifestyle, experts say there are certain nutritional properties to look out for when choosing an anti-inflammatory beverage.
- Ben Carbosso I am a chiropractor with a special interest in nutrition, health and wellness.
water
According to Arthritis FoundationThere’s only one drink that’s truly anti-inflammatory: good old water. Staying hydrated helps flush toxins, lubricate joints, and reduce inflammation. In addition to the recommended daily water intake, if you want to vary it up, nutrition experts suggest a few drinks that also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Tea
“Green tea is one of the most well-known drinks for reducing inflammation,” says nutrition expert Ben Carvosso. Research suggests Green tea may reduce inflammation A study They concluded that people who regularly consumed green tea extract had lower levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation.
To get the most out of green tea, it’s important to brew it properly. “You can’t just steep a tea bag in hot water and have the nutrients leach into the water,” says Carvosso. “You have to let the tea sit before drinking it.” In addition to paying attention to how you brew your tea, Carvosso recommends not adding sugar to your tea to reduce the chance of chronic inflammation.
Pomegranate juice
Another thing to look out for when choosing an anti-inflammatory drink is antioxidants. “Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body,” says Carvosso. One antioxidant-rich drink he recommends is pomegranate juice, which also contains the plant compound punicalagin. Research shows Punicalagins, found in the fruit, leaves, and skin of pomegranate, are said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
If pomegranate isn’t your thing, other drinks containing antioxidants can also be effective, such as grape juice, coffee, and of course red wine in moderation. Just be careful of added sugars.
Turmeric Drink
You may love using turmeric in your Indian and Southeast Asian cooking, but this deep orange spice also appears to fit into an anti-inflammatory diet. Turmeric contains another plant compound called curcumin. Research suggests It helps reduce inflammation.As autumn approaches, “golden milk,” a traditional Indian drink made with warm milk, turmeric, and other spices, is one great option for comfort.
Ginger tea
If green tea isn’t your thing but you’re looking for a tea with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger tea might be the perfect option. Ginger contains gingerol, another plant compound with anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests “Ginger tea is easy to make at home and is a great warming drink to have during the colder months,” says Carvosso.
