The Best Anti-Inflammatory Drinks

From flavoured waters to fancy coffees and trendy teas to frosty smoothies, quenching your thirst has never been easier. But before you take a sip, make sure you're not just drinking empty calories disguised as health elixirs. It's time to separate the true inflammation-fighting warriors from the imposters. Let's spill the tea on how teas and smoothies can help curb inflammation and figure out which delicious drinks are truly on your side when it comes to your health goals.

"Inflammation is like the body's bouncer, kicking out the bad guys before they cause trouble," explains Kelly Kennedy, RDN, the nutrition guru in the Big Apple. But what happens when this bouncer starts to let too many troublemakers in, leading to chronic inflammation? And more importantly, how can you avoid this party crasher through what you put in your mouth? Let's dive in and sip on some knowledge, because the right drinks can be your body's best defence against the inflammatory invasion.

Everything in Moderation, Even Inflammation!

"Imagine your immune system being like a paranoid neighbour who keeps calling the cops on non-existent parties next door," quips Gretchen Tietjen, MD, professor emeritus at the University of Toledo. This overreaction leads to autoimmune diseases where our bodies fight imaginary enemies, resulting in a production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that wreak havoc. Chronic inflammation, the aftermath of this phantom battle, is like an unreliable houseguest that invites diseases like cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, and gut problems to the party. Even migraines, usually classified as a neurological nuisance, join the inflammation fiesta due to elevated levels of inflammatory markers. According to Tietjen, it's a vicious cycle as the more migraines you have, the more inflammation, creating a never-ending headache-inducing feedback loop. It's like a bad house party. The longer it goes on, the worse the mess gets!

Don’t Drink That, Drink This!

When it comes to our health, it's like a game of inflammation roulette - we might not hold all the cards, but we can certainly stack the deck in our favour. By choosing the right foods and drinks, we can hit inflammation where it hurts and leave it crying in a corner. But not all drinks are created equal. Some of them are like the cool kids at school - popular, but ultimately bad for you. These pro-inflammatory troublemakers sneak into our diets disguised as innocent beverages, but we see through their lies. It's time to kick them to the curb and show inflammation who's boss. Pro-inflammatory ingredients include:

• Additives
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Preservatives
• Added Sugar

Watch out for those crafty little ingredients that like to play hide and seek in your favourite beverages! They could be lurking in your morning pick-me-up, your post-workout hydration, or even your afternoon fruit juice fix. From sneaky additions in plant-based milk to devious surprises in pre-bottled smoothies, they're everywhere! So, next time you reach for a drink, don't just blindly gulp it down. Take a peek at the ingredient list and see if there are any unwanted guests hiding in there. And don't be fooled by slick marketing tactics either. Just because a brand slaps on labels like "healthy" and "natural" doesn't mean their product is squeaky clean. Stay vigilant!

Green Flag Beverages

Whether you're battling a nasty chronic illness or just trying to upgrade your beverage game, be on the lookout for these inflammation-fighting superheroes to add to your sippable arsenal. It's time to drink up and feel good!

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Want to curb inflammation and boost your health? Look no further than omega-3 fatty acids! Packed with walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, and leafy greens like spinach and kale, these super-foods are here to save the day. So next time you're feeling a little tender, reach for the omega-3 and let those anti-inflammatory properties work their magic!
• Plant Compounds: known as polyphenols are like the superheroes of the antioxidant world, fighting off free radicals and inflammation like it's nobody's business. You can find these powerful antioxidants in teas and coffee that boast anti-inflammatory properties. But the fun doesn't stop there – load up on apples, berries, flax seeds, ginger, aloe vera juice, and pomegranate juice to get your polyphenol fix and feel like a health guru in no time.

Looking to cool down that inflammation? Look no further than the wonderful world of anti-inflammatory drinks! According to Kennedy, smoothies are the smooth operators of the drink world, effortlessly sneaking in extra servings of produce when you need a boost. But if you're not a fan of the blender, no worries! Teas like green, black, chamomile, slippery elm, hibiscus, ginger and turmeric are here to soothe your woes. And let's not forget about the cool kids on the block - kombucha, coffee, bone broth, and beet juice. They are all ready to bring the fight against inflammation straight to your taste buds. So raise a glass and let the healing powers flow!

The Most Effective Anti-Inflammatory Beverages

Teatime for Soothing Inflammation

Behold, the ancient elixir known as tea, reigning as the second-most-popular drink worldwide and boasting a history older than coffee and wine combined. Originating in East Asia some 5,000 years ago, tea has stood the test of time and is now championed by dietitians everywhere for its anti-inflammatory prowess. Traditional teas like green and black tea are crafted by steeping young leaves and leaf buds in water, creating a beverage that has charmed taste buds for millennia. On the flip side, herbal teas such as ginger turmeric or chamomile are concocted from tisanes, dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs that promise a flavourful and soothing experience. Regardless of the variety, all tea shares the common goals of hydrating the body, soothing the soul, and relieving stress. So why not raise a cup of this time-tested wonder elixir and enjoy a sip of history and relaxation all in one?

Black Tea

Brimming with caffeine and nutrients, black tea is like the superhero of traditional teas, armed with polyphenols ready to vanquish those free radicals. While green tea may steal the spotlight, black tea is no slouch, thanks to its luxurious process of oxidation which gives it a full-bodied flavour and a bounty of health benefits. According to the expert Kennedy, teas like green and black tea are basically like a magical elixir of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids and polyphenols, helping to fight inflammation in the body. The polyphenols specific to black tea, include the oh-so-fancy sounding theaflavins, thearubigins, and flavonols. They all come to the rescue by potentially reducing the risk of stroke and certain types of cancers. And, as if that wasn't impressive enough, black tea has even been shown to lower blood pressure in a study from 2015. In conclusion, sip on that black tea and let those polyphenols work their magic.

Green Tea

Green tea is a traditional tea, and, as such, it naturally contains caffeine. Catechins, the main polyphenols found in green tea, are the powerhouse behind its antioxidant benefits. These anti-inflammatory agents neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage and illness. From better oral health to improved metabolism, green tea’s benefits run the gamut. With frequent consumption, green tea may help protect against cognitive impairment. Folks with inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, may also benefit from drinking green tea, according to research. There is even research showing that green tea can protect against certain types of cancer. Green tea and cancer and cardiometabolic diseases: a review of the current epidemiological evidence.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea is here to steal the anti-inflammatory spotlight! Just like its fiery cousin ginger, turmeric tea is packed with polyphenols that work wonders on inflammation. The star player in this spicy blend is curcuminoid, which gives turmeric its vibrant yellow hue. Curcumin, a feisty little curcuminoid, goes to town on pro-inflammatory cytokines, keeping them in check and making sure your cells are behaving themselves. It's like the traffic cop of the tea world, but with way more pizzazz. But wait! That’s not all! Recent studies have shown that Turmeric tea could be the secret weapon for dealing with ulcerative colitis and maybe even arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. However, we're not quite ready to declare turmeric the wonder spice just yet - more research is needed to confirm its full potential. When it comes to brewing a cup of this golden elixir, go ahead and get a little wild with the spices. Ginger Turmeric tea, whether hot or cold, is a decadent anti-inflammatory treat that your gut will thank you for. Top tip: sprinkle in some pepper to really boost that turmeric absorption. You can purchase organic Turmeric Powder through Ancient Purity. Who knew fighting inflammation could be so delicious? Turmeric Potential Health Benefits.

Ginger Tea

Prepare to elevate your tea experience with the addition of Ginger. This fiery root is about to take your taste buds on a wild ride! Not only does ginger bring a burst of flavour to your cuppa, but it also packs a punch when it comes to aiding your digestion. Thanks to gingerol, the magical substance found in Ginger, you can bid farewell to pesky nausea and welcome smoother digestion with open arms. But hold onto your teacup, because the wonders of ginger don't stop there! According to the latest and greatest research, ginger is basically the superstar of natural remedies. It can ease muscle aches, zap arthritis pain, and even help combat the not-so-fun side effects of cancer treatment like nausea and fatigue. And here's a fun fact for you - a study from 2018 showed that combining Ginger with NSAIDs can kick pain to the curb faster than NSAIDs alone, making you feel like a million bucks in no time. Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Feeling bold and adventurous? Take your Ginger tea game up a notch by throwing in some turmeric, peppermint, chamomile, or fennel seed for an extra explosion of flavour and added digestive support. Ginger tea isn't just a beverage. It's a life-changing elixir in a mug ready to shake up your tea routine? Look no further than Ancient Purity for some top-notch Organic Ginger Powder. Cheers to a spicier, healthier you!

Chamomile Tea

If ginger turmeric tea is the superhero of herbal teas, then chamomile tea is the trusty sidekick ready to save the day. Not only does it have the power to reduce inflammation, but it also brings a calming, antianxiety vibe to the tea party. And that's not all - chamomile tea is here to fend off heart disease, boost the immune system, and even take on cancer like a boss. This miracle tea can also swoop in to help with PMS symptoms and keep those bones strong in the face of ageing. So sip on some chamomile tea and let this herbal sidekick work its magic on your body.

Slippery Elm Tea

Slippery elm tea is like the ancient superhero of remedies, swooping in to save the day with its healing powers for wounds, burns, and digestive issues. While scientific studies may be a bit sparse, one study stumbled upon a magical concoction of slippery elm, curcumin, and peppermint oil that can work wonders for tummy troubles like indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, and gas. With its ability to increase mucus production in the gut, slippery elm acts as a shield against the evils of excess acidity, keeping your insides safe and sound. And let's not forget about the antioxidants hanging out in slippery elm, ready to offer some much-needed relief to those battling inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis. So, whether you're nursing a burn or battling a bout of the runs, consider slippery elm tea your trusty sidekick in the fight for good gut health.

Hibiscus Tea

Indulge in the tangy and fruity flavours of hibiscus tea, a powerful elixir made from the dried petals of the hibiscus flower. These magical calyxes are bursting with anthocyanins, giving them antioxidant superpowers to kick inflammation to the curb. Sip on hibiscus tea and you may just find yourself with lower blood pressure, reduced "bad" cholesterol levels, and healthier triglycerides. And if that's not enough to pique your interest, rumour has it that this fabulous tea can also fight off viruses and even shield you from certain strains of the dreaded bird flu. So, why settle for a boring cup of tea when you can have a refreshing glass of hibiscus goodness that is not only delicious but also boasts a plethora of health benefits? Drink up and let the healing powers of hibiscus tea work their magic on you.

White Tea

This is my favourite cup of tea! Due to this tea being rather rare, it is expensive, even here in Thailand but it is definitely worth the price. With its delicate flavour and countless health benefits, it's like the Beyoncé of teas - always having your back and ready to slay. Packed with antioxidants that can help improve skin health and boost your immune system, white tea is basically the skincare routine and multivitamin in a cup that you never knew you needed. So why settle for boring old green tea when you can sip on a cup of white tea and be the Queen B of health and wellness? White Tea – Science Direct.

Other Beverages Providing Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bone Broth

Get ready to bone up on the latest health trend - Bone Broth! This liquid gold is created by simmering bones and joints for an extended period of time, resulting in a rich, thick concoction packed with all sorts of goodies like collagen, protein, vitamins, minerals, and gelatin. This super-food has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can work wonders for gastrointestinal issues like ulcerative colitis. Plus, the amino acids like glucosamine and glycine found in Bone Broth can do wonders for your joints and sleep. Whether you sip it straight or use it as a base for soups, gravies, or sauces, Bone Broth is a must-have in your pantry. And lucky for you, the best Bone Broth in town is just a click away at Ancient Purity.

Kombucha

Are you feeling a little funky? Maybe it's time to sip on some kombucha! This fermented drink, made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast, is like a magical potion for your gut. Packed with acetic acid, lactic acid, and probiotics, kombucha is like a little army of live microorganisms working hard to keep your gut flora in tip-top shape. Thanks to the tea base, kombucha is also loaded with polyphenols, those fancy antioxidants that can help with irritable bowel syndrome. And if you're looking to give your liver some love, look no further than kombucha. A 2019 study even says it can promote liver health. So raise a glass of this fizzy elixir and drink to your gut- brain health!

Coffee

Not only does your morning cup of coffee give you that much-needed caffeine boost, but it also packs a punch of antioxidants thanks to its polyphenol goodness. And that’s not all as it turns out coffee is more than just a pick-me-up, it’s a fighter against inflammation too. Studies have shown that coffee can help reduce the risk of developing a laundry list of scary illnesses like type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart disease. So even if you’re going caffeine-free, don’t despair - decaf coffee still has those anti-inflammatory superpowers. Who knew your daily dose of coffee was such a healthy elixir?

In a Nutshell

Inflammation, while vital for our survival, can be a real pain in the...well, you know the word. But fear not for there is a delightful solution at hand! By simply choosing the right foods and beverages, you can kick that pesky inflammation to the curb. Let's talk tea, shall we? Green tea is like a little shield protecting you from the big bad wolf of cancer. Chamomile tea is the soothing balm to your restless soul, calming those anxious nerves right down. And don't forget about Ginger and Turmeric tea - the ultimate weapon against nausea and tummy troubles. Then there’s black tea, slippery elm tea, and hibiscus tea are all on the anti-inflammatory dream team. And if you're not a fan of leaf water, no problem! Green smoothies are here to save the day, sneaking those veggies into your diet like a ninja in the night.

And for you coffee connoisseurs out there, rejoice! Your morning cup of joe is actually fighting off inflammation while you sip away. Kombucha, beet juice, and Bone Broth are also top contenders in the battle against inflammation. Of course, always consult with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet. But once you're ready to dive in, don't be afraid to mix and match flavours until you find the perfect combination for you. With all these tasty options at your disposal, you can take control of your health and say goodbye to inflammation once and for all. Cheers to good health and delicious drinks!

“When tea becomes ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment?” - Muriel Barbery, The Elegance of the Hedgehog