What you drink can greatly impact your health. The "Dr. Oz Show" now has an initiative to help people quit soda, because it is causing obesity and unhealthy effects in many people. Drinking a variety of nutrient-rich and naturally low-calorie drinks can help you regain your health, while avoiding the ill effects of artificial ingredients and empty calories of unhealthy drinks.
Water
Water is one of the healthiest beverages to drink. Your body is composed primarily of water -- 60 percent of your body weight. Your body needs replenishment of water throughout the day to properly maintain its functions. Most headaches are due to dehydration, so when you take aspirin, it may well be the water that benefits you faster than the aspirin. Water is the most natural and thorough source of hydration. When you are well-hydrated, you are able to properly eliminate toxins through your urine.
Acai Juice
Acai is a berry superfood from Brazil that is loaded with antioxidants. One of the main antioxidants is a flavonoid called, anthocyanin that helps you resist premature aging. Acai contains 10 to 30 times more anthocyanin than wine. It has a chocolate-berry flavor. The healthiest version to buy is the pure frozen pulp that is unsweetened. It also contains dietary fiber, healthy fats and phytosterols, which keep your digestive and cardiovascular system healthy. It also contains amino acids for optimal muscle function and repair.
Tomato Juice or Paste
Tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene. The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University says that diets high in lycopene lower the risk of prostate and lung cancer. According to the University of Maryland, high intakes of lycopene-rich foods also may prevent heart attacks, colon cancer and bladder cancer. Lycopene supplements, however, are not an effective source of lycopene. Lycopene is about five to 16 times more bioavailable when it is consumed from cooked tomatoes instead of raw tomatoes. The highest amount of lycopene is in tomato paste, which contains 75.4g of lycopene per cup, as opposed to 22g per cup from tomato juice. You can drink either, but the tomato paste is much more condensed and may need a tablespoon or so of water mixed in. Use Italian herbs for extra flavor and add a small pour of olive oil and flax or fish oil for additional healthfulness.
Medicinal Elderberry Syrup
The University of Maryland states that elderberry syrup is a medicinal remedy that may help you regain health when you have a viral infection, cancer or inflammation. Children should not consume elderberry, unless directed by a physician. You can drink it as a tea by steeping 3 to 5g of dried elder flower in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain the flower and drink this tea three times each day. You should take elderberry syrup for a maximum of five days in a row. Be careful with your source of elderberry, because dwarf elder, raw or unripe elder can be toxic or poisonous.
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