As you learn from my books The Omni Diet* and The Brain Warrior’s Way*, food is one of the most powerful—and ancient—medicines. The right diet can cool the fires of inflammation and actually repair your DNA to combat genetic risks. Certain beverages also have potent health benefits, including these:
- Raw cacao. In its raw form, chocolate (cacao) has a bold, deep, earthy taste. It contains impressive amounts of antioxidants, which help reduce risk for heart disease, premature aging, and some forms of cancer. In fact, ounce for ounce, it actually packs a greater antioxidant punch than blueberries, red wine, or green tea. Among the ways to use it are adding cacao powder to smoothies, tea, or coffee.
- Green water. In pursuit of good health, don’t just eat vegetables. Also try drinking them. Green water is an alternative to vegetable juice. It’s a type of dehydrated or freeze-dried veggies. Adding a scoop of “green mix” to water is typically equal to five servings of vegetables. Most green mixes contain an extensive array of vegetables and have a high ORAC value (a measure of antioxidant capacity. The higher the number, the better.)
- Coffee and tea. Studies have uncovered some surprising health perks of hot coffee and tea, both of which may help reduce risk for the dangerous superbug MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Harvard researchers also reported that drinking coffee lowers risk for type 2 diabetes by up 50 percent.
- Coconut water. The rich, white fluid inside a coconut is rich in minerals and electrolytes, but contains no oil. Coconut water is great for making wonderfully flavorful smoothies or on it own, as a refreshing thirst quencher after a vigorous workout.
Check out my free selection of inflammation reducing drink recipes here, or grab yourself a cookbook* so you can browse even more health boosting beverages at your leisure.
