It is natural to get tired of drinking plain water when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Although water will always be our number one, it’s okay to venture beyond and experiment with different iterations of drinks to toast to your health.

That being said, it is integral to point out that many people end up turning towards soda and sugary drinks to fill that gap. The truth is, these are bad for you since they are linked to weight gain and hormonal imbalances, and may increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. This is because they don’t really contain any beneficial nutrients and instead, only have loads of sugar and calories.

So if you are scratching your head thinking of alternative ways to introduce healthy drinks other than the refreshing glass of water, we have got your back! We have highlighted a list of the best drinks for transitioning to and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Black Tea

Derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, black tea dates back to the 1700s and is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It has tremendous health benefits such as providing antioxidants, boosting heart health, improving gut health, and reducing blood pressure, the risk of stroke, and the risk of cancer and diabetes. 

To get the maximum benefits, try having black tea without any sugar or milk, and always let it steep for 5 minutes before enjoying the perfect cup. 

Green Tea

Originating from China and India, green tea has been historically associated with a healthy lifestyle. It contains high levels of polyphenols, which are believed to reduce inflammation and prevent certain kinds of cancer such as ovarian, breast, prostate, skin, lung, and stomach cancer. 

Additionally, green tea contains plenty of antioxidants, helps to burn fat, improves brain function, and oral health, and helps prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Talk about an all-rounder!

Pro tip: Add a slice of ginger, a few drops of honey, or squirt a little lemon for a full-bodied flavor next time you have your green tea. 

Kombucha

As the latest health trend, kombucha really does deliver on the many benefits attributed to it. It is a fizzy sweet and sour drink made from yeast, sugar, and black tea.

Kombucha is a great source of probiotics, which helps to improve gut health. It also contains plenty of antioxidants and helps reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Since kombucha is fermented tea, there are traces of alcohol in the drink. So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid it. 

Cup of Joe 

The quintessential morning pick-me-up, coffee is considered safe and healthy as long as you don’t exceed more than three cups a day, or 400 milligrams of caffeine. Coffee consumption has been linked to lowering the risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer, such as colon or prostate cancer.

When buying coffee, opt for single-origin specialty coffee and always check the roast profile and the altitude of the plantations from which the coffee beans come from. 

Hot Chocolate 

Hot chocolate is pretty great since cacao mixed with milk offers calcium and vitamin D along with the comfort and warmth that comes with sipping on a drink that is quite literally a hug in a mug. 

Chocolate is also found to increase serotonin in the body, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. So skip the nightcap and opt for hot chocolate infused with rose cacao right before bed for a cozy night. 

Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent source of hydration as it contains 94% water and is a natural source of nutrients and antioxidants. It also helps in supporting heart health, preventing kidney stones, and reducing blood pressure.

Since it also helps to replenish electrolytes in the body such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium, it makes the perfect post-workout drink. So skip the sports or energy drinks and introduce unsweetened coconut water to improve your lifestyle. 

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Lemon Water

We recommend that you start your day by sipping on lukewarm lemon water to boost immunity, improve digestion and oral health, and keep you hydrated through the day. Not only is it a great source of vitamin C, it also supports weight loss and improves skin quality.

So next time you load your water bottle for work, consider adding a few drops of fresh lemon or a lemon packet for a zesty taste and a wealth of benefits.

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Beet Juice

Beets are a sweet root vegetable that has been linked to many benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, increasing stamina, preventing cancer, and supporting liver health. Additionally, beet juice is an excellent source of folate, which is a B vitamin, and minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. 

We suggest combining beets with apples, ginger, carrots, or oranges to really bring out the flavor. 

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Cranberry Juice

Cranberries, widely regarded as a superfood, make a tangy flavored juice packed with antioxidants to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and urinary tract infections (UTI). When buying cranberry juice, make sure that the label says 100 percent juice and not ‘juice drink’.

Be careful of having too much cranberry juice as it can potentially react with medication to increase the effect of warfarin, which is a blood thinner. Ideally, it is best to consume between six to eight ounces a day.

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Orange Juice

Fresh OJ is hailed as one of the healthiest drinks out there as it is a wonderful source of vitamin C, potassium, and thiamin. It helps to decrease inflammation, improve heart health, and prevent kidney stones. Since it is high in antioxidants, it can also help prevent many diseases such as cancer and diabetes. 

Try having a glass of OJ every day with breakfast and always check the label for 100 percent juice to reap the maximum benefits.

Parting Thoughts 

Always try to mix it up with different hot and cold drinks on a regular basis to get the maximum benefits from having healthy drinks. Additionally, you can also play around by mixing different fruits to get interesting and tasty drinks.