If you want to lead a healthy, happy life, one of the best things you can do is get serious about reducing inflammation in your body. Chronic inflammation is a major culprit of many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal issues, lung disease, and more. When present in the brain, it could even contribute to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other issues. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can take to lower inflammation levels and promote a healthier body overall, especially when it comes to your gut, heart, and brain. One of the best places to start is your diet—and this can be as simple as adding a few tasty drinks to your regimen.
That’s right: In addition to limiting your intake of harmful, inflammatory beverages, it also helps to sip on inflammation-fighting tonics to keep your body in the best shape possible. To discover a few great options you can enjoy every day to promote overall wellbeing, we spoke to dietitian and nutritionist Krutika Nanavati. She told us that green tea, turmeric tea, and ginger tea with a bit of lemon are all fantastic choices. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Green Tea
When it comes to healthy beverages, it really doesn't get much better than green tea. This ancient elixir is packed with benefits for your whole body. One of the best things about green tea is the fact that it's loaded with antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation all over. It's especially great for your heart; as Nanavati says, it's "Packed with flavonoids and catechins, green tea lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk."
As for your gut, she points out that its "antibacterial properties keep gut flora balanced, improving digestion and nutrient absorption." Meanwhile, "L-theanine in green tea promotes relaxation and focus, enhancing cognitive function and memory," making it perfect for a brain boost.
2. Turmeric Tea
Ah, turmeric. This is one of the best inflammation-fighting spices out there. And getting your daily dose is so simple when you enjoy a bit of turmeric tea or tonic. The benefits of turmeric tea are largely thanks to a compound called curcumin. "Curcumin in turmeric combats inflammation and improves blood flow, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease," Nanavati explains.
It can also do wonders for your gut, she says: "Turmeric soothes gut inflammation, reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and supports digestion."
Finally, turmeric can be a powerful brain-boosting spice, since, as Nanavati tells us, "Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier, protecting brain cells from inflammation and potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease." Incredible!
3. Ginger + Lemon Tea
Ginger and lemon are both great for you on their own. When you combine them, you've got an anti-inflammatory beverage that your whole body will love. Similar to green tea, Nanavati says that "Ginger improves blood circulation and lowers LDL cholesterol, protecting heart health." Lemons also bring a lot to the table in terms of heart health, since their rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Plus, this is a great, gut-soothing combo. "Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe digestive issues and nausea. Lemons aid digestion and promote gut health," Nanavati says.
And as for your brain, she tells us that "ginger may improve cognitive function and memory, while lemons provide electrolytes that support mental clarity and focus." All while delivering one of the tastiest flavor profiles around! What's not to love?
The bottom line
Although drinking anti-inflammatory beverages is one great way to keep your overall health in check, it's important to remember that it isn't the only step you can take. None of these beverages are miracle workers, and there are many healthy habits you should implement in pursuit of optimal wellness. However, when it comes to drinks that taste great and are great for you, you definitely can't go wrong with these choices.
