We all know about the mystical fountain of youth and its magical liquid that grants any drinker eternal life. In nearly every culture, there have been stories of fantastical elixirs that assure longevity. But the truth is, we have those magical drinks floating around us! You can find them in grocery stores and even make them yourself.
Sugary drinks and carbonated beverages tend to be damaging to the body. However, there are numerous healthy drinks out that can aid in weight loss, better immunity, and even longevity. Drinks that can extend your years may sound mythical, but having a healthy dose of healthy liquids can do just that. These commonly found and easily prepared beverages are just what the doctor ordered to help you live a longer life.
Tomatoes are generally considered a great way to stay hydrated and as a vegetable, we know it comes with a good number of nutrients. Drinking tomato juice on a regular basis can ensure you get all those nutrients frequently and if you make it yourself, you can ensure the sodium content is low. Tomato juice works in two ways to extend your years.
First are the numerous antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, which work alongside beta-carotene to promote overall good health. In addition to that, tomatoes contain lycopene which helps fight inflammation and consequently reduce the risk of contracting chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Cranberry juice is a crowd favorite and you don’t need to save it for Thanksgiving or parties. It is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents which improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. It can also greatly improve blood pressure when consumed regularly.
Another benefit of drinking cranberry juice regularly is that it can increase the production of cytokines, which fight viruses, and gamma delta T cells. These cells aid in immune response, further boosting longevity. It's important to keep in mind that only 8 ounces of natural cranberry juice should be consumed on a regular basis, with no added sugar or preservatives in order to maintain good health.
Bitter melon is a fruit widely available across the world originating from Asia. It goes by numerous other names including bitter gourd, bitter apple, and karela. It is part of the staple diet of the citizens of the Japanese island Okinawa, who are known for their long lives. This fruit has properties that aid in fighting cancer and promoting heart health, by reducing bad cholesterol levels and increasing good cholesterol.
100 grams of bitter melon will give you the recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, 84 mg. You can blend it or boil it with water to make either a juice or a tea. It can cause intestinal distress so it's better to have it in small doses, starting with 30 milliliters and increasing the amount as your body becomes accustomed to it.
If you just can't get used to the strong flavor of bitter melon tea, then another excellent option for tea-lovers looking to extend their lives is green tea. It is known for its high content of antioxidants that reduce cholesterol and enhances immunity.
Another benefit of green tea leaves is that they are packed with catechins, a naturally-produced bioactive chemical that has numerous benefits. These include improving metabolism and stem cell regeneration, as well as lowering blood pressure. Green tea leaves can also cut off the blood supply to cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer.
A Japanese study revealed that people who drink green tea have greater longevity. Another research uncovered the possibility that the risk of death for patients with type 2 diabetes could be reduced through regular green tea consumption.
If you need a caffeine boost and green tea just won't cut it, then you're probably a coffee person. If that's the case then you're in luck because coffee is a flavor in the fountain of youth. It is another great source of antioxidants that reduce the risk of colon and liver cancer, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s.
The key to healthy coffee consumption is three-fold. First, only drink filtered coffee as unfiltered coffee has components that increase bad cholesterol. Second, consume no more than 3 cups of coffee per day. Third, do not add cream or sugar to your coffee. Instead, enjoy it with zero-calorie spices like cinnamon or nutmeg and use a minimal amount of unsweetened nut milk.
Ordinarily, alcohol wouldn’t be considered on the list of beverages that promote longer life. Red wine is one of the rare exceptions and only when consumed in moderation. The average amount one can consume on a daily basis is 1 glass of wine that measures only 4 ounces.
What makes red wine so deeply beneficial is the use of grape skins in creating the drink. The skin contains numerous natural bioactive agents that enhance heart health and reduce the pace of cellular aging. Studies have shown this contributes to both longevity and reduced risk of heart disease.
Smoothies are among the most refreshing drinks you can have as they come in a variety of fruity flavors and can aid in immunity-boosting, lowering blood pressure, and weight management.
You get an added benefit if use yogurt that is loaded with probiotics. Probiotics are created through a certain fermentation process and can help support gut health which promotes a stronger immune system.
By itself, yogurt is more nutritious than milk. It contains a larger amount of vitamins, proteins, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and calcium. The acidity of yogurt allows our bodies to absorb these nutrients more easily as well.
Now, this may sound like an odd one but it has actually been around for hundreds of centuries. In fact, mushrooms have long since been regarded as the "Elixir of Life" by those who practice traditional Chinese medicine.
There is a scientific explanation for this belief and usage of mushrooms in lengthening lifespans. Mushrooms have two major health-boosting components. The first are antioxidants that fight the damage of aging by protecting cells from free radicals. The other, called triterpenes, improves the functionality of all major organs in the body.
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