Perhaps the old phrase "you are what you eat" should be more aptly stated as "you are what you drink." While the solid food in your diet should form the foundation of your nutrition, that doesn't mean that you can gulp down anything that comes your way. For example, Medical News Today reports that drinking soda increases your risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Next time you're throat's dry, grab these healthy liquid foods to quench your thirst.
Skim Milk
Milk is rich in dietary calcium, which is important for building strong bones and reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis. Drinking milk regularly may also reduce your risk of colon cancer, Harvard University reports. Opt for skim milk over whole milk or 2 percent milk as skim is free of saturated fat. Diets rich in saturated fat increase the risk of heart disease. Harvard warns that drinking more than two servings of dairy per day may actually increase the risk of certain cancers. Limit your dairy intake to a serving or two per day.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a liquid food that's naturally low in fat and high in protein. Soy protein is also rich in unique compounds known as soy isoflavones. Consumption of isoflavones may reduce the risk of breast cancer, Breastcancer.org reports. In fact, it's thought that the reason that women living in Asia have lower breast cancer risk is partly because of their soy consumption. However, Breastcancer.org adds that excessive intake of soy products may increase your breast cancer risk. The organization advises women to consume soy two to three times per week to balance out the benefits and risks. When choosing soy milk opt for those with no or limited added sugar.
Blueberry Juice
Blueberries are bursting with powerful antioxidants -- beneficial compounds shield healthy cells from damage. Blueberry juice is a concentrated and portable form of these antioxidants. In fact, drinking blueberry juice can partially reverse memory loss, Science Daily reports. Bluberry antioxidants are especially effective at protecting vulnerable brain cells from the harm that leads to age-related memory loss. When choosing blueberry juice, check the label to make sure that it's made with 100 percent blueberry juice. Juice with added water or sugar may contain less antioxidants than the real thing.
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