Inflammation occurs when the body needs to defend itself from foreign invaders and is necessary to help the body heal itself. However, poor diet and unhealthy food choices that are high in saturated fat can lead to chronic inflammation. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to change your lifestyle and help fight any lingering inflammation issues you may have. Some of these are small but tasty changes like healthy drinks that can help fight inflammation.
These everyday drinks contain inflammatory-fighting ingredients as their main active component. They are also delicious if made properly. The drinks we list below are easy to make and can help fight chronic inflammation. You do not need to gulp down tons of supplements or over-the-counter drugs. The ones you need are right in your favorite cafe or in your kitchen or the farmer’s market.
6 Easy Drinks That Can Help Fight Inflammation
Chile Mocha
Made famous by Starbucks, you can make this tasty and healthy drink at the home as well. The star ingredient of this drink is cayenne pepper, which has long been known for its anti-inflammatory benefits due to its level of capsaicin, which also acts as a natural pain reliever.
Ingredients
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Place all the ingredients in an 8-ounce container. Stir to combine. Add one tablespoon of the chile mocha mix to your favorite brewed coffee.
Green Tea Latte
Another Starbucks drink that can be made at home, green tea has many health benefits with its anti-inflammatory effects coming from high amounts of catechin polyphenols, which also act as antioxideants.
Ingredients
1/2 cup milk (you can substitute with alternate milk products like soy or almond milk)
1/2 cup water
Green tea, 1 tea bag or 1/2 tablespoon of green tea powder
1 tablespoon sugar (or you can use raw honey, maple syrup or other sweeteners)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, place the milk and sweetener (if using green tea powder, mix that in as well). Add the water. Bring to boil, whisking as you do. Pour into a mug and add the teabag if using that as the green tea ingredient. Let it seep.
Green Smoothie
Made famous at Jamba Juice, you can make these smoothies from just about any combination of green vegetables. You can even get creative and add fruit and nuts if you like. For an effective anti-inflammatory drink, use leafy greens like kale.
Ingredients
1 cup milk or water (you can substitute with alternate milk products like soy or almond milk)
1 cup fresh kale (you can use your favorite leafy green as a substitute)
2 fresh mint leaves
1 cup ice
Instructions
Place ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. As mentioned, you can add additional vegetables like cucumbers or fruit like pineapple, green apples, bananas, etc. If you would like to add some lemon or lime juice to add flavor, please do so.
Super Grain Smoothie
Made famous at Smoothie King, if prepared properly, this drink uses ancient grains, which have a high degree of Omega-3s, which are great anti-inflammatory agents.
Ingredients
1 cup almond milk
½ cup super-grain mix (you can buy a mix or use your own mix of grains – teff, quinoa, millet, barley, buckwheat, bulgar, freekeh, amaranth)
1 banana
2 tablespoons of peanut butter (you can substitute with peanuts if you like)
¼ cup apple juice
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup ice
Instructions
Place ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. You can add some optional ingredients such as protein powder, raw honey, strawberries, etc.
Turmeric Latte
Turmeric is a super spice that has long been known for its anti-inflammatory effects as well as being an antioxidant.
Ingredients
1 cup almond or coconut milk
1 tablespoon turmeric
2 teaspoons of sugar (or you can use raw honey, maple syrup or other sweeteners)
1 teaspoon of ginger
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
Place the ingredients into a small saucepan and mix thoroughly. Heat the saucepan to a medium heat until steaming, whisking as you do so. Pour into a mug.
Ginger Tea
Another super spice, ginger is a very potent anti-inflammatory due to compounds called gingerols. Ginger is also great for arthritis.
Ingredients
1 or 2 slices of ginger root
1 cup water
2 teaspoons of sugar (or you can use raw honey, maple syrup or other sweeteners)
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
Place the ginger root in a small saucepan and add the water. Simmer for about 25 minutes. Pour into a mug and add your sweetener and cinnamon. Alternately, you can place the slice of ginger in the mug and add boiling water. Allow it to steep for amount 10 minutes. Add your sweetener and cinnamon.
This article originally appeared on LifeBalanceDaily.com, Easy Drinks That Can Help Fight Inflammation.
