Drink to your health!

Researchers say that 70% of us are dehydrated and that’s too bad since there are all
kinds of beverages available to us and if you’re in the category of “dehydrated” and want
to do something about it, drink up.

The type of beverages you choose to help you become more hydrated doesn’t necessarily
have to be water, and to help you choose, here’s a list of the beverages and the ways they’ll
benefit your health.

a) Coffee-
Concerned about your brain aging, you know becoming riddled with amnesia and
forgetfulness? Drink 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day and you can start remembering as if
you were 8 to 10 years younger. Coffee is rich in protective antioxidants that lower your
odds of getting dementia. Plus, it (coffee) has a positive impact on brain
chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and glutamine. And if you’re wondering,
if coffee is dehydrating, it’s not.
Another benefit of drinking coffee: Lowers your odds of getting Parkinson’s disease.

b) Tea-
Black tea will bolster your bones and make you less likely to get
osteoporosis, so make sure to drink a few cups a day if thinning bones are a concern.
Another helpful hint: When drinking tea (or coffee) make sure you drink in the healthiest
way possible, i.e. don’t have a danish, or cookies, or brownies or muffins every time
you sit down for your daily mug of tea (or coffee). Too many sweet treats will only
increase your chances of getting serious health conditions, like-
weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure and sugar levels
and rapid aging of your face and body.

c) Orange Juice-
Many people are concerned about the sugar in O.J. but if you can buy it unsweetened
or make your own (in a juicer) you’ll be rewarded with youthful skin.
Orange juice is loaded with vitamin C, a nutrient essential for making collagen,
which gives your skin a firm and plump appearance.
For more on collagen and its benefits, make sure to read our past post on bone
broth soups (Title: The Slow-Cooker Rx For Beautiful Winter Skin).

d) Wine-
If you drink wine, stick to one glass and you’ll be less likely to be saddled with extra
weight, (especially around your middle). Wine curbs appetite, helping avoid those
late night refrigerator raids (binges).

e) Tomato Juice-
If you drink plenty of water in the Summer, good for you, but you may want to swap out
a few glasses of water for some tomato juice, why? It (T.J.) works like natural
sunscreen. Tomatoes are loaded with something called lycopene, a nutrient that
makes some vegetables and fruits red (red grapefruit, watermelon and guavas)
and this nutrient is responsible for reducing the effects of sun damage on your face
and body.
Another tip: If you want more info on some other foods and beverages that work
like “natural sunscreen” head on over to Amazon.com/the kindle store and look for
a book we published 7 years ago, the title: Supermarket Rxs To Sun-Proof Your Skin,
Eat and Drink Your Sunscreen.
Another benefit: Reduce weight. Tomato juice is also like a natural diet suppressant,
drink a glass before lunch or dinner and you’ll eat less of either meal.

f) Hot Cocoa-
It’s certainly time to break out the hot cocoa and marshmallows (Winter time)
and if you’re not a fan of coffee, but still want the brain enhancing benefits
then drink a cup or two each day. It (hot cocoa) contains special antioxidants
that boost blood flow to the brain.
More benefits: That blood flow also goes to the heart, helping it pump blood
more efficiently and to the skin, for a plumper and youthful look.

g) Water-
And last, but certainly not least, if you’re not drinking enough water that’s okay,
just make sure to drink it at the proper times.
Proper times?
Yes, researchers say that a glass at bedtime and upon getting up in the morning
will protect you from a host of health problems, heart disease and diabetes, the
2 biggest. Water dilutes blood, making it less likely to clot and cause heart attacks.

That’s it for today and make sure to continue reading as we’ll post some
things that are related to the upcoming holidays, (Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Look for our article on the health benefits of some of your favorite side dishes.

Good Luck and Good Eating (and Drinking)!

Sources:
* Loma Linda University, The Research Dept.
* Denice Taylor, R.D.
* Michigan State University, The Research Dept.
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