4 Fun Water Alternatives
By Amber Lowry
Water is without a doubt the big kahuna of the hydration game. But staying hydrated doesn’t have to be limited to plain old water. Switching up sipping options can help keep you both accountable and motivated to replenish your body with vital nutrients all day long. Check out these water alternatives!
1. Coffee
Aside from the often necessary caffeine boost, research shows that coffee can actually do right by your health. Studies have shown that coffee has the potential to lengthen lifespan by protecting DNA from oxidative stress, a precursor to disease, with dark roast being cited as the most protective. One study even found a correlation between regular coffee consumption and longer telomeres (caps at the end of DNA strands). But loading up on refined sugar and low quality creamers isn’t doing you any favors. Next time opt for organic coffee and higher quality options like grass-fed heavy cream or an unsweetened almond or coconut creamer. For an extra kick of healthy fat, add a dash of coconut or MCT oil. Natural sweeteners like stevia can be used in small amounts.
2. Tea
Drinking tea, especially green tea, has shown various health benefits including potential weight loss/thermogenic properties. This is because of the metabolism-boosting catechins found in green tea. This metabolic boost is why green tea is a part of programs like 3 Weeks to Shredded. As one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, green tea can also improve energy and immunity. A fun way to get green tea into your life is with the Dolce Green Tea GO! Drink.
Dolce Green Tea GO! Drink
To make it, you need:
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
• 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 green tea bag
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 banana
• 3/4 cup almond milk
Directions:
1. Brew 8 oz. (regular coffee mug size) of green tea and stir in honey and set aside.
2. Add all ingredients to the blender, green tea last.
3. Blend until creamy.
3. Bone Broth
Who doesn’t love a hot, flavorful cup of broth during the chillier months? But there’s even more to love: bone broth has been known to exhibit an impressive resume of health benefits. Acting as a natural hub of amino acids and other nutrients, some benefits of bone broth consumption include resealing a leaky gut, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, healing skin and preventing it from damage (wrinkles, cellulite, etc.), as well as curing arthritis, asthma, allergies and other autoimmune conditions.
Heat it up and sip it plain, or season it with fresh herbs and spices like Himalayan sea salt and turmeric. Bone broth can be made at home by soaking chicken or beef bones in water over an extended period of time, or can be purchased frozen or in a carton at your local health food store. Be sure to read up on the ingredients of whatever bone broth you buy and steer clear of additives like MSG.
4. Kombucha
Though kombucha is fermented tea, this liquid probiotic warrior deserves its own spot on the list. While research into gut bacteria is still young, it is generally accepted that kombucha is a good way to fortify your gut with friendly bacteria. It’s naturally carbonated, making it a great soda replacement for bubble lovers.
References
Bakuradze, T., Lang, R., Hofmann, T., Eisenbrand, G., Schipp, D., Galan, J., & Richling, E. (2014). Consumption of a dark roast coffee decreases the level of spontaneous DNA strand breaks: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal Of Nutrition, 54(1), 149-156. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0696-x
Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., & Nishigaki, I. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. Chinese Medicine, 5, 13. http://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-5-13
Liu, J., Crous-Bou, M., Giovannucci, E., & De Vivo, I. (2016). Coffee Consumption Is Positively Associated with Longer Leukocyte Telomere Length in the Nurses Health Study. Journal Of Nutrition, 146(7), 1373-1378. http://dx.doi.org/10.3945/jn.116.230490
Scaldaferri, F., Lopetuso, L. R., Petito, V., Cufino, V., Bilotta, M., Arena, V., … Gasbarrini, A. (2014). Gelatin tannate ameliorates acute colitis in mice by reinforcing mucus layer and modulating gut microbiota composition: Emerging role for “gut barrier protectors” in IBD? United European Gastroenterology Journal, 2(2), 113–122. http://doi.org/10.1177/2050640614520867
