Do you want to connect with other women and make new friends? Do you want to have some fun? Then join our private Facebook group, The Ethel Circle, today. You'll love it!
If you’re confused about what to drink for your health, join the club. One day, we’re told red wine is good for you; now it turns out alcohol increases your risk of certain cancers. (More on that later!) We were told coffee stunts growth (though, really, we’re past that stage of life), but new research shows it may increase longevity.
It’s enough to drive you to drink!
The good news is that strong research shows certain (easy) beverages can help lower the risk of disease and inflammation, while also helping to protect brain health. Even better news: No complicated concoctions with kale or wheatgrass juice are required!
Let’s get a few things out of the way first. Of course, one of the most important drinks is good old water. Hydration is crucial to maintaining overall health. It’s best to sip throughout the day rather than wait until you get thirsty, when you may already be dehydrated. I add a slice of cucumber or lemon to make it more enticing. One drink to avoid is sugary sodas, a sure way to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
A word about alcohol. I’m a big believer that moderation is the key to virtually everything in life, including alcohol. (This doesn’t apply if you have an addiction.) The latest research cited by the CDC and numerous other studies shows that even moderate amounts of alcohol (for women, that’s considered one drink per day) increase your risk of certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer, along with heart disease. I’ve found so many good mocktails and alternatives that cutting back — or stopping completely — is easier than ever.
Okay, let’s move on to the (surprisingly!) good stuff.
To help lower inflammation
Try pineapple juice
Along with other minerals and vitamins, pineapple juice is an excellent source of bromelain, a group of enzymes that can help reduce inflammation due to arthritis and trauma from injuries, and aid in healing after surgery. Bromelain also has the potential to strengthen your immune system.
Studies are underway to determine its role in cancer prevention, improving gut health and reducing the risk of heart disease in humans after initial tests proved promising. As with all recommendations here, speak to your doctor first. For some people, bromelain may increase the risk of blood-thinning medications. One cup of pineapple juice has approximately 132 calories and 100 percent of the vitamin C requirements.
To help improve heart health and ease rheumatoid arthritis
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that can help boost heart health by reducing the buildup of cholesterol and plaque. It also may lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol. Plus, according to WebMD, “One study showed that drinking about 200 milliliters (about 7 ounces, or a little less than a cup) per day of pomegranate juice for six weeks lowered blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes.” One cup has 135 calories, so I suggest sticking to one glass a day. I like mixing it with seltzer for a refreshing mocktail.
To help lower disease risk, including Parkinson’s and melanoma
Try coffee
I like to think of myself as reasonably up on the latest health news (I am a health writer, after all!). But when The New York Times recently ran a huge story on the benefits of coffee, even I was blown away. The well-researched piece based on the latest studies stated that “consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of all kinds of ailments, including Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, depression, suicide, cirrhosis, liver cancer, melanoma and prostate cancer."
In fact, in numerous studies conducted throughout the world, consuming four or five eight-ounce cups of coffee (or about 400 milligrams of caffeine) a day has been associated with reduced death rates. In a study of more than 200,000 participants followed for up to 30 years, those who drank three to five cups of coffee a day, with or without caffeine, were 15 percent less likely to die early from all causes than were people who shunned coffee.
Let’s be real, though. Like many women our age, I have trouble sleeping. Drinking four cups a day of coffee is not for me. The good news is that even one cup of coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle may reduce disease risk. I drink one to two cups when I first get up in the morning and lay off all caffeine after that.
To help improve brain function
Try green tea
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols and flavonoids, which, according to a study in the International Journal of Molecular Science, “appeared to be beneficial for the prevention of various diseases, particularly cancer, and neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic disorders.” Another recent influential study found that green tea "was associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older individuals." While some studies show that green tea may also boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, results were mixed and usually seen when people drank seven to 10 cups a day. As a reminder, green tea does contain caffeine. I like to pour green tea over ice and add some mint or lemon for a refreshing drink.
To help reduce blood pressure, that may lead to a heart attack and stroke
Try cocoa
Cocoa is loaded with our good friend, polyphenols, which may lower inflammation and reduce blood pressure. Studies show that it may also lessen the risk of heart disease and stroke. This may be one of my favorite surprises, but before you get too excited, I’m not talking about one of the prepackaged, high-sugar hot chocolate mixes. That doesn’t mean there aren’t easy ways to enjoy the benefits of high-quality cocoa powder. For hot chocolate, look for cocoa powder that is at least 70 percent cocoa with no added sugars, and use low-fat or non-dairy milk and sweeten lightly to taste. My favorite way to use cocoa powder is to put a tablespoon in a smoothie with ice, almond milk and a ripe banana, which adds natural sweetness. You didn’t really think I could get through this piece without a single smoothie, did you? This one is not only healthy and easy, it’s sinfully delicious!
Which of the above do you drink on a regular basis? Let us know in the comments below.
Getty Images
Follow Article Topics: Health
