Nothing can fully replace our body’s need for plain water.  There are some drinks that give our bodies many health benefits in addition to water.

Green tea

Benefits: reduces the risk of osteoporosis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. Green tea is high in flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidants that protect cells from harm and neutralize free radicals. Tea also contains fluoride, which strengthens bones and is beneficial for teeth. Calories: 0

Peppermint tea

Benefits: helps with stomach upsets, alleviates colic, aids digestion by helping food move through the gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect, relieves muscle pain and muscle tension. Calories: 0

Milk with 1% fat content

The benefits: Milk is low in complex carbohydrates, protein and fat so it is absorbed slowly and you remain full for some time. Complex carbohydrates allow your blood sugar level to remain stable. Calcium is contained in milk together with vitamin D, so it is well absorbed. Moreover, calcium helps cells to burn fat, so milk promotes normal weight loss. Calories: A glass of milk (250 g.) contains 120 calories.

Soy milk

Benefits: Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The dietary fibres and proteins in soya milk reduce “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides. However, if you want to replace cow’s milk completely with soya milk, you will be lacking calcium and vitamins A and D. In that case, you can buy soya milk enriched with these micronutrients. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are probably linked to the risk of breast cancer. If you have a family history of this disease, it is a good idea to discuss soy milk with your doctor. Calories: 81 kcal per 250 g.

Hot chocolate or cocoa

Benefits: It improves mood and protects against cardiovascular diseases. What are the health benefits of this product? Cocoa is rich in polyphenols, which protect cells from free radicals. Consumption of hot chocolate increases the production of the hormone serotonin, low levels of which have a negative effect on mood. Calories: approx. 195 kcal for 250 g of the product and 115 kcal for the powdered mixture

Tomato juice without salt

Benefits: protects against many forms of cancer. Fresh tomato products are known to contain a higher concentration of lycopene than the fruit itself. Lycopene is associated with reduced risk of cancer of the following organs: mouth, lungs, stomach, liver, breast, cervix, stomach, colon and rectum. Lycopene also protects the heart against free radicals, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Calories: 43 kcal in 250 g. product.

Cranberry juice

Benefits: prevents gum disease, helps with urinary tract infections. However, juice most often contains sugar, so either choose 100% sugar-free juice or do not consume more than one glass a day. Calories: 140 kcal in 250 g.

Orange juice

Benefits: the vitamin C in the juice increases immunity, protects against many diseases, including cataracts, cancer. Orange juice is an excellent source of folic acid, which is essential for the prevention of fetal defects. Calories: 115 kcal in 250g of product.