The 6 Healthiest Drinks for Women

The 6 Healthiest Drinks for Women

Last update: 21 July, 2015

We’re all for sexual equality – but there are biological differences between men and women, so the healthiest drinks for women aren’t the best ones for men. Women’s bodies have different needs when it comes to nutrition. Although most humans need the same sorts of vitamins and minerals, our optimal levels will vary. Women may suffer from deficiencies that don’t trouble men – and vice versa. In this article, you’ll learn which beverages will be most beneficial to you if you’re a woman. If they’re not already a part of your diet, why not?

1. Milk from oats or almonds

Have you heard? Dairy milk really doesn’t do a body good. Animal enzymes and proteins aren’t all they’ve been made out to be. It turns out that they’re not too efficient at promoting good digestive transit. What’s more, its calcium isn’t as easily absorbed by human bodies. As more and more research corroborates the evidence, the market for plant milks has exploded. There’s so much variety here, too. It’s nowhere near as restrictive when you choose plant milk over dairy. Far from being a choice between just oat or almond, you’ll find coconut, hazelnut, rice, quinoa, macadamia, brazil, spelt…well, we don’t have all day to list them! Here’s why we specifically recommend oat and almond milk.

Awesome oat milk…

  • is extremely easy on the digestive system and will provide heaps of soluble fibre to reduce the risk of constipation. It’s great, too, for encouraging healthy intestinal flora.
  • helps you feel full so you’re less likely to snack between meals – which is great for regulating your weight.

Outstanding almond milk…

  • is perfect for controlling cholesterol and triglycerides levels. It energises naturally and is easily digested. Don’t fear the fats in almond milk. They’re the good guys – and your body will thank you for them.

2. Shake it up with kale and pineapple

Pineapple smoothie

Who has yet to embrace kale? It’s dark, green and lovely – and it merits all the praise that’s been piled on it. Teeming with antioxidants and vitamin C, kale is a type of cabbage with its origins in Asia. In the last few years, its march across the globe has been unstoppable. Who would want to try when it’s practically perfect? Low in calories but dense in nutrition, kale is renowned for its cancer inhibiting properties. It’s the sulforaphane that protects the cells from attack.

Add a pinch of pineapple to your kale and you’ll be rolling in rude health. This tropical fruit packs a punch. It delivers a good dose of the enzyme, bromelian, which reduces pain and swelling – especially the sort that results from arthritis and other diseases of the joints. Get it in you! All you have to do is add a few slices of fresh pineapple to four large kale leaves, a cup of almond milk and a tablespoon of agave nectar or maple syrup. Blend everything to a smooth consistency and enjoy immensely.

 3. Green tea for grins

Teapot

Still stuck on your black tea? Time for a change. If you’ve not discovered the heavenly taste of green tea, you’re missing a trick. Now, we’re not saying that you must completely renounce a nice cup of black tea, but why not vary it a bit? Green tea runs the gamut of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Studies have demonstrated that it’s excellent protection against heart disease and stroke. When you’re feeling that late afternoon drag, put the kettle on and make it a green, please. You’ll feel the relaxation wash over you.

4. Get friendly with flaxseed

Thick flaxseed pudding

Flaxseeds might not be as trendy right now as chia, but they’re still up there scoring points. Such is their popularity that they’ve earned their place on supermarket shelves – and they’re no longer so pricey, either! Replete with minerals and vitamins that will benefit your body every which way, flaxseeds can be used in a multitude of ways. Blend them into dressings and salads or make them the star of your next smoothie. A study by the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology illustrated how flaxseeds enhance cardiovascular health, prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of neurovascular injury. So, there you have it. There’s no excuse not to feature flax on your daily menu.

5. Say tomato

Juiced tomatoes

Whether you say ‘toe-may-toe’ or ‘toe-mah-toe’, you’re probably aware that these fruits are indispensable. What would we do without their rich, refreshing juice? They’re great for everyone, of course, but tomatoes make one of the healthiest drinks for women especially. The lycopene in them is known to fight the formation of cancer cells and they’re bursting with antioxidants. When you make tomato juice a regular habit, you’ll inhibit water retention, too. Can’t argue with that.

6. A bit of vino is keen-o

Red wine

Note that we did say ‘a bit’. We’re not giving the green light for a nightly bottle of plonk. In fact, you want to be discerning about the sort of wine you choose. Make it a high quality red. Red wine is what will give you a huge portion of resveratrol. That’s the stuff that is said to protect the heart – but bear in mind that it’s not a magic bullet. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, please consult with your GP before taking this advice on board. At any rate, there is evidence to suggest that one small serving of red wine a day has its benefits. The antioxidants in wine can protect against premature ageing. Provided you drink sensibly, we say ‘cheers!’