Friday, January 7, 2011

Five Healthy Drinks - Fluids to Boost Immunity

What we drink is just as important as what we eat. These days, unhealthy beverages loaded down with sugar like sodas and energy drinks dominate store shelves. There are so many different healthy beverages that we could make at home which would improve our health such as:

1. Orange Juice : Orange juice is often overlooked in favour of pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry preparations, but its health benefits cannot be denied. A 150ml glass of juice alone is more than likely to provide 100% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital for a robust immune system, but also by having some vitamin C with any iron-containing meal it enhances the body's absorption of the iron, which is yet another nutrient vital for the maintenance of immune strength. If you experience arthritis-related pain, orange juice may really help relieve it.

2. Tomato Juice: Tomato juice is obviously one of the most popular juices throughout the world. Raw tomato juice is a good source of lycopene, which is known for its cancer preventing properties. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure.


3. Carrot Juice: Juice made from ripe, freshly harvested carrots is sweet and thirst-quenching. Bright orange in colour, it's packed full of beta-carotene, an antioxidant phytochemical which protects  against the harmful effects of free radicals and enhances the antioxidant effects of vitamin E.


4. Green Tea & Chamomile Tea: Green tea has many health benefits, it may increases metabolic rate, possible anti-diabetes effect, boosts immune system, lowers stress hormone levels and has antidepressant properties. Chamomile Tea is effective in fighting colds and viruses. Chamomile has been found to contain fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory constituents. Therefore, it has been found to be effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps. Chamomile tea is probably best known for its reputation as a calming agent.  Using chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended, since it is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion). Chamomile is also not recommended if you are currently taking blood thinners, since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner).


5. Combine Ginger, Lemon and Honey for a Therapeutic Steamer: This warming drink combines antimicrobial ginger, vitamin C-packed lemon juice and soothing honey. Grate about one inch of fresh ginger into a large mug with the juice of one lemon and add honey to taste. Top up with boiling water.

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