You are what you eat—and also what you drink! Choosing the right beverages can make a significant difference in your overall health. Whether you’re looking to boost immunity this winter, keep your gut balanced, lose weight, or all three, there are plenty of great drinks you can sip on to suit a number of goals.
To discover a few of the healthiest beverages that can help in all of these areas, we spoke to registered dietitian Lisa Andrews. She told us that regularly drinking green tea, berry smoothies, and kombucha is a great way to keep your immune system, gut, and weight in check. Learn more about the specific benefits of each below.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages out there; it's packed with benefits, and according to Andrews, it can do wonders for your immune system, gut, and waistline. She attributes its potency to compounds known as catechins. These powerful antioxidants not only reduce the risk of disease but also offer a subtle boost to the basal metabolic rate, she explains. She also notes that according to one study, green tea polyphenols have been shown to decrease weight gain, ameliorate alterations in gut microbiota, and mitigate intestinal inflammation in individuals with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. "Add a squeeze of lemon juice or drink it plain," she suggests. So simple!
2. Berry smoothies
Smoothie, anyone? Smoothies aren't only delicious, refreshing, and fun to make; they're also a fantastic way to fit nutrients into your diet. As it turns out, adding berries to the mix could help boost immunity, balance your gut, and manage weight. Andrews advocates for incorporating berries into smoothies due to their array of health benefits. "Recent research suggests that a diet rich in various berries may aid in reducing cholesterol, high blood sugar, blood pressure, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease," she says. Andrews underscores the importance of berries' high fiber content, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome, thereby bolstering immunity. She points to one study that highlights the health-beneficial effects of berries in preventing and treating metabolic syndrome. Plus, they're so tasty!
3. Kombucha
Made from fermented tea, kombucha has gained popularity as a fizzy, probiotic-rich beverage. But it isn't just a buzzy wellness trend; it really is packed with benefits that can do wonders for your whole body. Andrews highlights its low sugar content and potential to cultivate beneficial bacteria in the gut. "Research suggests that kombucha intake impacts oxidative stress and inflammation, improves the process of liver detoxification and reduces intestinal dysbiosis," she tells us. Additionally, she notes, "There is evidence that kombucha consumption is beneficial for the control and treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities, as well as for the modulation of the gut microbiota." Incredible!
The bottom line
Ultimately, while your beverage lineup shouldn't be the end all, be all of your health efforts, selecting the right drinks can certainly benefit your body. Choosing healthy options like green tea, berry smoothies, and kombucha can help enhance immunity, promote gut health, and support weight loss efforts. Incorporating these beverages into your daily routine can be a flavorful and effective way to prioritize your well-being.
