With the chilly winter months arriving, there’s nothing cozier than wrapping your hands around a warm, nourishing beverage. Beyond providing a nice way to combat the chill, healthy warm beverages can help with adequate hydration, support the immune system, assist in appetite control, and provide comfort during the colder season. This winter, sip your way to better health with these wholesome and delicious warm drinks!
1. Tea- When it comes to warm beverages, tea takes a top spot, offering a variety of health benefits and many delicious options to choose from. Countless studies have revealed that tea can promote wellness by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, boosting the immune system, and potentially preventing stroke and cancer. Tea, namely green tea, contains beneficial antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, that have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can also help curb appetite. Black tea may help fight bacteria and viruses, while herbal teas such as chamomile and ginger may aid in digestion. There are a variety of teas to enjoy ranging from green, black and herbal, and it can be flavored with a small amount of honey or non-nutritive sweetener and a dash of milk. If you are watching caffeine intake or consuming tea closer to bedtime, be sure to check labels for caffeine content.
2. Coffee- Another popular hot drink that can be a healthy choice is coffee. Like tea, research indicates that coffee contains antioxidants and may be protective against conditions such as Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Caffeine present in coffee and tea, can help improve alertness, attention, mood and memory. When drinking regular, caffeinated coffee (and tea) it is important to do so in moderation, to avoid negative effects of excess caffeine such as anxiety, insomnia, and dehydration. For those sensitive to caffeine, decaffeinated is always an option. While plain, black coffee is virtually a calorie free choice; it is best to steer clear of adding excess cream and sugar or indulge regularly in flavored coffee drinks, which can quickly add up as far as fat, sugar and calories go.
3. Turmeric Latte-For those looking for an interesting alternative to coffee or tea, a recent warm beverage gaining traction is the turmeric latte. This naturally caffeine free drink combines milk or a non-dairy alternative, ground turmeric, and often other spices like cinnamon and ginger. Sweeteners such as a touch of honey or maple syrup can be added, and a pinch of black pepper is often included to help with the absorption of the turmeric. Aside from its earthy, comforting flavor, this unique drink has health benefits, namely fighting against inflammation in the body from turmeric. Using milk can pump up the protein as well.
4. Tomato Juice- A quick and easy savory warm beverage is heated tomato juice. It is super low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K. It also contains a plant compound called lycopene that can help protect against heart disease, cancer and inflammation and is naturally a low sugar beverage, which can be helpful in blood sugar and weight control. For those watching salt, a reduced sodium juice can still make a good choice. To enhance flavor, a dash or pepper, garlic, and onion powder can be added as well.
5. Lower Sugar Hot Cocoa- While traditional hot cocoa is high in sugar, fat and calories, a lightened-up version can certainly be an option as a treat. Choosing a dark chocolate base is best nutrition-wise, as dark cocoa is rich in flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory and may offer protection against heart disease. There are several lower sugar mixes on the market or try a homemade version to help control the amount of sugar added.
6. Bone Broth- An additional steamy and savory sip that is all the rage is bone broth. It is made by simmering bones of pork, beef, and/or poultry in water for extended periods of time, along with herbs, spices, and vegetables. It is very nutritious, rich in collagen, that helps with joint and gut health, is high in protein and also contains some minerals such calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It can be made at home, or there are many commercial ready to drink brands on the market, including low salt versions, for those watching sodium.
7. Warm Lemon Water- Let’s not forget, an easy source of hydration and comfort is warm water with a squeeze of lemon. Try this calorie free option to start your day and before/between meals to help fill up and prevent overeating.
Enjoy these healthy beverage choices to stay warm and hydrated this winter!