Three noteworthy beverages for health, according to Mясниkov, are not kefir, not milk, and not freshly squeezed juice.
Revved-Up: The Natural Elixirs You've Overlooked
Let's dive into the stuff they don't spend big bucks marketing: green tea, coffee, and plain ol' water.
Green Tea - A Timeless Sip of Wellness
From the Land of the Rising Sun, it's more than just a bedtime story. Green tea is packed with catechins, immunity boosters, and stress fighters. Plus, it's a team player, enhancing the effectiveness of vitamin C, especially in cold weather. And get this, it even lower the risk of diabetes and heart troubles. But here's the trick: brew it at a cooler temp, around 80°C, to keep the vitamins in check and your tooth enamel happy. L-theanine, a component of green tea, also reduces anxiety without causing drowsiness2.
Coffee - The Controversial Kid Turned Hero
From being on the naughty list to winning the crowd, black coffee has come a long way. Strip away the sugars and you're left with chlorogenic acid, a liver supporter, memory booster, and neuroprotector[1]. Just a couple of cups before lunch should do the trick. If you're feeling extra adventurous, toss a pinch of cinnamon into your cup - it'll give your coffee a kick and supercharge your metabolism.
Water - The Classic, Unbeatable Champion
Back to basics: a morning glass of water kicks off digestion2. Don't you worry about the numbers; just listen to your body. Feel thirsty? Drink up. Not too much, though. You want to avoid excess, but regular sips are essential.
What Can Wait on the Shelf?
Soda and packaged juices, it seems, are the supervillains of the health world, according to Dr. Alexander Myasnikov. They're nothing but tricksters. Even sugar-free versions can mess with your metabolism and damage your teeth. Energy drinks? They're harsh on your nervous system. Fancy a change? Swap one soda can a day with mint tea. After a week, you'll realize you crave sweets less2.
Remember: Moderation Makes the Difference
Everything in moderation, right? Too much water can lead to swelling. And too much coffee can give you the jitters. Health isn't about heroics - just a touch of thoughtfulness and a sprinkle of simple habits2. As Dr. Myasnikov says, "Nature has already thought it through. We just need to take the right sip."
References:[1]: Medical News Today "Why Drinking Coffee Can Actually Be Good For Your Health"
- In addition to green tea and coffee, mental health could benefit from nutrient-rich foods and healthy diets, such as those rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
- For fitness and exercise enthusiasts, green tea and coffee can be part of a balanced pre-workout regimen, with green tea aiding in stress management and coffee providing energy without added sugars.
- To complement a healthy lifestyle, focusing on proper hydration with water and reducing consumption of sugary drinks like soda and packaged juices is essential for overall wellness and health-and-wellness.
