Starting the morning off the right way sets the tone for the rest of the day, and yes, that includes what you decide to drink. A hearty, balanced breakfast is excellent, but adding the proper drink to your morning routine is just as vital.
Even intermittent fasters are allowed liquids like tea and water, and you should take advantage of being able to add nutrients in the morning via your beverages.
If you’re a breakfast person, adding a healthy, nutritious, refreshing beverage can get your gut ready for the day, hydrate your skin and muscles and even wake you up (and no, we don’t mean caffeine, although drink that too if you’d like!)
Here are some great additions to your morning menu, all with their own health and wellness benefits.
Green tea or Matcha tea
Green tea is a favourite all around the world! The taste may be a bit bitter for some people, but the benefits far outweigh the time it takes to get used to the unique flavour, especially if you aren’t adding milk or sugar.
Green tea contains loads of antioxidants. It has polyphenols and catechins that protect cells and molecules from free radicals. Free radicals cause damage and disease.
Matcha is a popular, trendy superfood right now – and it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same as green tea. However, it’s harvested differently and has a unique nutrient profile. But it’s a good option too.
The benefits:
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High in antioxidants. Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that acts as natural antioxidants.
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It may help protect the liver.
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Can boost brain function.
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Cancer prevention
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Heart health benefits
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Aids weight loss
If you don’t want the tea straight up, you can make a green tea smoothie. If you’re going to lose some weight without following a calorie-restricted diet, slimming green tea is a great option and can be found in most supermarkets and chemists. Cinnamon green tea is helpful for digestive, and stomach disorders, says Parenting First. It increases the body’s ability to break down and absorb the nutrients in food.
How do you make it?
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Steep the teabag with a cinnamon stick in hot water for 5 minutes.
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Squeeze some fresh lemon juice and raw honey in, and stir.
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Strain the concoction and drink – enjoy.
Warm water in the morning
Warm water dilates your blood vessels in the gut, aiding proper digestion.
MD Linx says that if you drink warm water after a meal, it emulsifies fats, which also aids digestion. If you drink it before bed, it may increase satiety (and make you feel full). In the morning, it starts the metabolism.
If warm water isn’t your thing, cold is OK, as long as you stay hydrated. A great alternative is choosing seltzer water instead. It makes it more exciting to get in those eight glasses.
Cucumber and Mint water
Hydration literally aids every function in the body, from digestion to sweating and even movement. Water lubricates your insides and makes our bodily functions possible.
You can add loads of accoutrements to improve the taste and make it easier to get down large amounts. Adding fruit and herbs to water is an old practice to spruce it up and benefit from the nutrients.
Why cucumber and mint?
Besides the fact that both quickly release their flavour, they each have significant benefits for the gut and body. The cucumbers’ most prominent vitamins are vitamins A, B, and C. C. Cucumbers are 96% water, says Facty. Cucumbers contain almost zero calories. If you add them to a salad or eat them as a standalone snack, you can feel the refreshing hydration. Besides getting rid of toxins, they battle kidney stones too.
Mint leaves are anti-inflammatory and are excellent for boosting the immune system. It remarkably reduces inflammation in your stomach, so drinking it in the morning on an empty stomach is excellent!. Mint leaves relieve indigestion and are rich in phosphorus, calcium and vitamins C, D, E and A.
Green Smoothie
Smoothies are an easy, delicious way to get a strong dose of fruits and veggies, which provide vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and potassium.
Fibre-packed green smoothies lowers cholesterol and glucose levels, says Be Hike. You feel fuller for longer. The smoothies also usually contain ingredients with loads of antioxidants that help regulate your body’s cleansing processes.
Green smoothies blend together any leafy greens with fruits – you can decide which ones you want in your tummy every day. You can mix it up – and even add protein powder or collagen. Even add your meds if you want to get them in without tasting them!
You can use veggies and healthy fats, such as almonds, hemp seeds, flax and coconut oils. Popular options are leafy greens like spinach, kale, and rainbow or Swiss chard. Some people enjoy adding stronger flavours with more earthy tones like mint, parsley and collard greens.
TMS
The Medical Society is passionate about proper health and nutrition for both children and adults. The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable healthcare for adults.
Starting from R89 a month, members are covered for unlimited nurse room visits, as well as dietary advice from professionals.
