Beverages play a crucial role in our daily nutrition and overall health. Certain drinks can offer remarkable benefits, such as boosting metabolism, improving gut health, and even helping to slim the waistline. These beverages, often rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and essential nutrients, can enhance bodily functions and support a healthier lifestyle.
We checked in with Dr. Varsha Khatri, a registered dietitian nutritionist, to learn about six beverages to drink this summer because they can boost your metabolism, promote better gut health, and even help you slim down. She revealed that some of the best options are green tea, lemon water, and kefir. Read on to discover all six.
1. Green Tea
Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in polyphenols, which can support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
"Green tea is well-known for the way it raises metabolic rates because of its high concentration of catechins, especially EGCG. These substances help increase fat oxidation and improve insulin sensitivity. Having green tea habitually will provide a nice, gentle boost to your metabolism," says Khatri.
2. Kombucha
The probiotics in kombucha can help reduce bloating and improve digestive efficiency, while the metabolic boost from its ingredients can help burn calories more effectively. Additionally, the organic acids and enzymes present in kombucha may support fat metabolism, contributing to a slimmer waistline.
"Kombucha, a fizzy tea, contains a lot of probiotics and antioxidants. The beneficial bacteria help to balance the gut flora, which in turn promotes good digestion and absorption of nutrients. Its sour taste and fizziness give it a cool substitute for sugary drinks like sodas, among others, that are unhealthy for our bodies," she notes.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has been shown to reduce belly fat and suppress appetite by increasing feelings of fullness. This can help reduce overall calorie intake and promote weight loss.
"These can result in improved gut health as well as a more balanced microbiome. Before meals, drinking ACV might enable you to stay full longer, thus boosting your efforts to shed weight. Make sure that you select raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar so that you get the most out of it for your health and consider mixing it with lemon juice or honey for better taste," she says.
4. Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
Khatri says, "Ginger, known to contain gingerols and shogaols, has been proven to heighten metabolic rate, thereby enhancing fat burning. This can help in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system and improved digestion, which generally boosts metabolic health. Consuming ginger tea regularly could aid in attaining a smaller waistline through these mechanisms."
5. Kefir
Kefir is rich in protein, which can help increase your metabolic rate. The process of digesting protein requires more energy, leading to a temporary boost in metabolism. Additionally, the probiotics in kefir can enhance the body's ability to digest and metabolize nutrients more efficiently, supporting overall metabolic health.
"Kefir’s probiotics can help stabilize the gut microbiome, which in turn facilitates digestion and the absorption of nutrients. This is key to a healthier body and a faster metabolism," she reveals.
6. Lemon Water
Drinking lemon water, especially warm lemon water, can kickstart your metabolism in the morning. The vitamin C and antioxidants in lemons can enhance fat oxidation and improve energy levels, which can increase the overall metabolic rate.
"Lemon water is hydrating, which is crucial for maintaining a good metabolism. Hydrating yourself helps with the well-functioning of your body, like managing your weight. Moreover, bloating could be diminished and satiation promoted by utilizing lemon water, therefore helping you lose weight successfully," she states.
