Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that cause oxidative stress. This can lead to diseases including cancer. Increasing antioxidants is a great way to combat free radicals and help keep a proper balance in your body.
Our bodies generate antioxidants on their own, plus we can get antioxidant benefits from whole foods which makes choosing a healthy diet important. Choosing antioxidant-rich foods is a first step, but you can take things one step further, by choosing antioxidant beverages too.
Before Your Drink, Know the Benefits
Choosing healthy beverages is a smart way to boost the antioxidants in your body but do you know all the benefits they provide?
Antioxidant beverages help fight free radicals which can become overabundant and cause disease, but they also help reduce inflammation and boost your immunities.
That’s because many of the beverages that fight oxidative stress are packed with healthy vitamins and water, which is vital for our health. When choosing a beverage for antioxidant benefits, be sure to look at the other benefits it may have.
Cold Pressed Juices Pack a Punch
Cold pressed juices retain more of their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than regular juice. You can readily find cold pressed juices at the grocer, in specialty shops, or make them at home. You can find all kinds of recipes for cold pressed juices on platforms like Pinterest to help make juicing tasty and nutritionally beneficial. Juices like cherry and pomegranate have some of the highest antioxidant values.
Coffee & Tea are Great Sources of Antioxidants
Coffee and tea are mainstays in most diets. Whether you like yours hot or cold, there is a variety sure to please. Green tea is widely known for its antioxidant benefits, but coffee may actually be superior to tea depending on what variety you choose.
It’s easy to find tea blends that offer a wide variety of antioxidant-rich benefits. Adding ingredients like lemongrass, cinnamon, and other spices can boost the benefits and taste.
Infused Water Takes Things to the Next Level
Hands down, water is best for our bodies, but water that’s naturally infused with antioxidants makes great sense. Coconut water has more antioxidants than some foods, which makes it a hydrating antioxidant first choice.
You can easily infuse water at home with your favorite fruits and veggies (think yummy cucumber and strawberries) to naturally boost your H20 intake and the marketplace is flooded with infused designer waters that help you hydrate and fight disease at the same time.
Getting the added benefits of antioxidants through beverages is great for people who are on the go or want to be intentional about their health. Since there are a wide range of options out there, it’s easy to find a beverage that suits your taste and budget.
