Four Surprisingly Healthy Antioxidant Drinks
The Health Benefits of Cocoa, Tea, Red Wine and Coffee
Sep 25, 2009
Antioxidants are natural compounds found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Antioxidants reduce the ability of free radicals to damage various cells within the body which in turn prevents the onset of age related illness and disease.
While foods such as fruits and vegetables are the most nutritious source of antioxidants there are several beverages that possess a startling amount of disease fighting antioxidants.
Cocoa
Cocoa has been enjoyed and revered as a sweet and delectable treat for thousands of years.
- Cocoa is a rich dark powder originating from South America.
- Cocoa is made from cacao pods that are harvested from the cacao tree.
- Each cacao pod is filled with 30-50 cocoa beans that are surrounded and protected by a thick sweet pulp, commonly referred to a ‘baba de cacao’.
- Cocoa powder contains a significant amount of naturally occurring antioxidants referred to as flavonoids.
Cocoa is a rich and milky beverage that has been studied for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and improve the flow of blood throughout the body.
Tea
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world and has been consumed in Asia for over a thousand years.
- Green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong tea originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is an evergreen shrub that is grown throughout Asia and Africa.
- The leaves of the tea plant are harvested and processed for their sweet and aromatic flavor.
- Tea is a natural and incredibly rich source of antioxidants. In fact, studies indicate that tea possesses approximately 10 times the antioxidant activity than that found in fruits and vegetables.
- The polyphenols found in tea are a very powerful antioxidant responsible for staving off illness and disease by neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals on the body.
- Tea is also a natural source of disease fighting flavonoids and plaque preventing fluoride.
Studies indicate that tea has shown the ability to prevent the onset of illness and disease including high cholesterol, inflammation, arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Red Wine
Wine is filled with flavonoids and non-flavonoids which are antioxidants responsible for protecting the blood vessels, preventing blood clots, lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
- The non-flavonoids in red wine are referred to as resveratrol and are estimated to be the key to the numerous health benefits of the beverage.
- Resveratrol can be found in the colorful skin or peel of the dark grapes used in the wine making process.
- Red wine also contains a variety of other health promoting antioxidant compounds including flavanols, polyphenols and phenolic acids.
It is important to note that red wine is considered a healthy beverage only when consumed in moderation. More than one small glass of wine per day can actually be detrimental to a person’s health and can ultimately increase the risk of cancer, liver disease and high blood pressure.
Coffee
Coffee is a revered beverage that is consumed several times a day by millions of people around the world. In its purest state, without the addition of heavy creams, syrupy flavors or spoons full of sugar coffee is actually good for you.
- Studies indicate that coffee is an excellent source of healing and disease preventing antioxidants.
- Roasted coffee beans and freshly brewed coffee contain ample amounts of both chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid.
- Chlorogenic and caffeic acid are powerful antioxidants that can help to prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and various types of cancer.
Although it is not recommended as a substitute for a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, coffee is a beneficial and very healthy beverage when consumed in moderation.
 |
