Nutrition
Sip Your Way to a Stronger Immune System with These 6 Healthy Drinks
As the seasons change and the months grow chillier, the desire to protect ourselves from the common cold or flu becomes more of a priority. Keeping our body’s immune defenses in top shape is essential, and a large part of that can be satisfied by what we consume. Opting for a healthy lifestyle with quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and the right beverages can do wonders for your immune system. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the best immune-boosting drinks that will help fortify your body for the winter season.
Water
We are all familiar with the importance of staying hydrated, and it becomes all the more crucial when it comes to supporting the immune system. Our bodies are roughly 60-70% water, and each bodily function requires water to function at its best.
When dehydrated, our bodies can become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. “When your body is dehydrated, it can promote the growth of bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you drink the optimal amount of water for your body’s needs every single day,” states a study published in the journal Medical Hypotheses.
Green Tea
Moving beyond water, green tea is another great choice for bolstering your body’s natural defenses. Green tea is brimming with beneficial polyphenol flavonoids, providing a wide array of health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers to managing systemic inflammation.
A study published in the journal Molecules says, “Green tea strengthens immunity through its antioxidants that help protect cells against oxidation and reactive oxygen species.”
Kefir
Kefir, a fermented, yogurt-like beverage, is filled with beneficial probiotics that help regulate your gut’s microbiota. It offers a range of health benefits, from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to facilitating wound healing, according to an article published in Nutrients journal.
Lemon Ginger Tea
The herbal blend of lemon and ginger can prove to be a potent immune booster in tea form. Rich in vitamin C and packed with over 100 bioactive compounds, this tea is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and many other health benefits.
Research published in the journal Antioxidants and the journal Nutrients substantiate these claims.
Orange Juice
Citrus juices, such as orange or grapefruit juice, are filled with vitamin C and folate, which help maintain the integrity of the immune barriers, protect various immune cells, and have anti-inflammatory effects. The bioactive compounds in citrus also reinforce immunity, as confirmed by a study published in Frontiers in Immunology.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is a great source of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid known to suppress systemic inflammation. An eight-ounce serving of tomato juice offers nearly 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, with no added sugar and just 50 calories.
Taking a sip from this list of immune-boosting beverages is an easy, enjoyable way to fortify your body’s natural defenses, especially during the colder seasons. Embracing a proactive approach towards your health not only enhances your body’s natural defense system but also contributes to your overall wellness. After all, there’s nothing like a warm, wholesome drink to ward off the winter chills and potential illnesses simultaneously!
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
