Healthy Winter Drinks (part 2)

The holidays are over, but winter is still there. After all the festivities, some of us may want some non-alcohol beverages for this time of the year. This is Healthy Winter Drinks (part 2).

Black tea

All tea comes from the Camelia Sinensis plant. After harvesting, the leaves undergo wilting, bruising, rolling, and oxidation. Black tea has similar benefits to green tea. As a source of antioxidants, black tea may also help reduce the risk of skin, breast, lung, and prostate cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) study results suggest that tea's polyphenols may reduce the tumor growth risk. Another 2015 research found that black tea may lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

However moderate intake is recommended, black tea contains around 2-4% caffeine. 

Coffee

Coffee contains many beneficial nutrients such as riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), magnesium, potassium, various phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. Some experts suggest that these and other ingredients in coffee may benefit the human body in various ways. Potential health benefits of drinking coffee include protection against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver disease, and liver cancer. Coffee consumption can also support cardiovascular health.

Note that drinking large amounts of coffee can cause the side effects of gastroesophageal reflux and increase the risk of anxiety. Consuming coffee during pregnancy may also be unsafe.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile like tea plant contains flavonoids and chemical compounds that may reduce inflammation.  Several studies have linked chamomile tea to reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Again, some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar. Chamomile tea is widely believed to help people relax and fall asleep.

People with a history of severe allergies, particularly to pollens. should avoid chamomile unless advised otherwise by a doctor.  Chamomile may be contaminated with pollen from other plants, which can cause allergic reactions.

Infants and very young children should avoid chamomile too. Like honey and some other natural products, chamomile tea may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores (botulism spores). Most healthy adults can fight off the infection, but infants may not. 

 

Turmeric tea

Turmeric is a popular spice originally from Southeast Asia made from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. People have used it as an herbal remedy for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medecine. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color. 

Curcumin is proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has beneficial heart health properties and anti-canceraction, can help modulate gut bacteria, may help reduce the risk of several neurodegenerative diseases.

Curcumin has long been used in traditional medicine to treat many digestive disorders.

Mulled orange juice

Mulled orange juice is a warm and comforting, non-alcoholic flavorful drink, filled with aromatic spices like cloves, cardamon pods, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. The recipe is generally gluten free, soy free, nut free, dairy free and egg free. Mulled orange juice can be sugar free and it's also vegan. During preparation, the chili and cinnamon can be omitted. 

Stay healthy, stay hydrated. If you are interested in reading more about hot beverages, please see Healthy Winter drinks (part 1) .