Antioxidants are compounds that help fight free radicals found in the cells. These free radicals are produced when oxidation takes place in the body and their job is to damage the cells and the membrane around it.
On the other hand, antioxidants protect our cells from these chemicals. Some of the best-known antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals are vitamin C, A, E, zinc, selenium, and copper.
The best way to fulfill your body’s need for these antioxidants is to consume foods that are high in antioxidants. You can also turn to drinks high in antioxidants. The rule of thumb is to get a variety of antioxidants from a variety of drinks because a single antioxidant is enough.
Let’s have a look at the 12 drinks high in antioxidants:
12 Drinks High In Antioxidants
1. Strawberry Shake
Strawberry shake is known to contain polyphenols and beta-carotene and is also quite easy to make at home.
What It Contains?
It contains vitamins K, E, C, B6, B9, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium. All of these nutrients have their own benefits such as immune system support, improves heart health, serve as antioxidants, etc.
How To Make The Best Strawberry Shake?
- Cut strawberries and add them to a blender.
- Add a little amount of sugar and 2 cups of milk.
- Blend the contents.
- Pour and drink.
Note: If you’re lactose intolerant then switch milk with water.
How Long Does It Last?
It will last for 24 – 48 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Kale Juice
If you’re searching for drinks high in antioxidants then kale juice can be an excellent choice. It contains important antioxidants that help prevent free radicals from damaging the cells.
What It Contains?
Quercetin and Kaempferol are two essential antioxidants found in kale. These antioxidants help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and protect the body from several diseases.
Apart from that, it also provides vitamins A, C, K, B, folate, omega-3 fatty acids.
How To Make The Best Kale Juice?
- Take 1 ½ pound of kale and blend it in a blender.
- Add water if it’s too thick.
- Enjoy.
Note: You can add other veggies/fruits such as carrots, lemon, apples if you like. Also, add some honey to sweeten the juice.
How Long Does It Last?
Kale juice will last for 48 to 72 hours when refrigerated.
3. Green Tea
Green tea is known to help reduce weight but it offers other benefits as well. It contains 30% antioxidants by weight and can help your body fight diseases.
What It Contains?
It contains a large amount of polyphenols, catechin, vitamins C, b2, folic acid, and carotene.
How To Make The Best Green Tea?
- Take a green tea bag and put it in a cup.
- Pour boiling water in the cup and let it rest for about three minutes.
- Drink.
How Long Does It Last?
It can last for 48 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Chocolate Shake
Dark chocolate and cocoa are some of the most antioxidant-rich foods available. You can enjoy a chocolate shake if you’re not diabetic because it contains a lot of sugar.
What It Contains:
It contains fats, sugar, proteins and antioxidants such as catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidins.
How To Make The Best Chocolate Shake:
- Take a pitcher and fill it with two and a half cups of milk.
- Add chocolate powder and introduce some ice cubes, too.
- Blend the contents in a mixer and serve.
Note: You can add honey to enhance the taste.
How Long Do They Last:
Chocolate shake will last for about a week in the fridge.
5. Coconut Water
This ready-made drink is 94% water and super healthy. It is low in calories but rich in nutrients.
What It Contains:
Coconut water consists of antioxidants, digestible carbs, potassium, and electrolytes.
How To Make The Best Coconut Water:
It’s not possible to prepare coconut water at home since it comes in a natural form. You can instead buy a bottle of fresh coconut water from a store.
How Long Does It Last:
Check the expiry label at the back of the bottle.
6. Black Raspberry Smoothie
Another drink high in antioxidants is the black raspberry smoothie. It’s low in calories and will help fight radicals in your body.
What It Contains:
It contains an antioxidant flavonoid called anthocyanins that help protect the cells. Moreover, it also consists of carbs, proteins, fats, and fiber.
How To Make The Best Black Raspberry Smoothie:
- Take half a cup of curd, 1 cup of black raspberries, ¼ tbsp. of vanilla essence, ice cubes, and blend them all together in a juicer.
- Pour and enjoy.
Note: Add maple syrup to enhance the taste.
How Long Does It Last:
It will last for a day or two in the refrigerator.
7. Mint Guava Infused Water
This drink will provide you with an energy boost when you return home from a tiring day. It contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is said to help cleanse the body.
What It Contains:
There’s vitamin A, lycopene in guava. It is quite delicious and is a very good source for vitamin C.
The little amount of mint can provide you with proteins, fiber, carbs, calcium, and iron.
How To Make The Best Mint Guava Infused Water:
- Take an infusing tube and put 4 guava pieces along with mint leaves in it and close the lid.
- Take a water bottle and fill 3/4th of it with water.
- Place the infusing tube inside the water bottle, close the lid and shake vigorously.
- Allow it to infuse for at least 3 hours.
- Drink
Note: You may also add guava leaves. It may not enhance the taste but can add to the benefits.
How Long Does It Last:
It’s good for 3-5 days when properly refrigerated.
8. Apple Juice
Apple juice is one of the tastiest and healthiest drinks to have. It provides us with several nutrients that help improve our health.
What it Contains:
Apple juice is an excellent source of polyphenols, fiber, vitamin C, sodium etc. It contains no fats or cholesterol.
How to Make The Best Apple Juice?
- Collect fresh apples and cut them into slices.
- Put them in a water-filled container.
- Boil for about half an hour so that it turns into a mixture.
- Allow it to cool and serve.
How Long Does it Last?
Refrigerating apple juice can reduce the effects of nutrients with time. Therefore, apple juice should be consumed while it’s fresh.
9. Red Wine
A lot of us love to drink red wine with dinner. If you consume it in little amount and twice or thrice a week, it won’t cause a lot of problems. In fact, it will benefit you thanks to the antioxidants present in it.
What it Contains:
Red wine contains antioxidants (resveratrol and proanthocyanidins). They help fight against inflammation and can also reduce blood clots. Moreover, it also contains several vitamins, minerals and electrolytes as well.
How to Make The Best Red Wine?
It’s better to purchase fresh red wine from a store than to make it at home.
How Long Does it Last?
Contrary to popular belief, wine does expire. Refer to the bottle for guidelines.
10. Coffee
Coffee might be a high caffeine drink but it contains a good amount of antioxidants. You can keep it to one cup a day to reap the benefits.
What It Contains:
It contains antioxidants, potassium, fats, carbs, and caffeine.
How To Make The Best Cofee:
You will require a coffee machine to prepare coffee at home. You can also buy it from a coffee shop and drink while it’s fresh.
How Long Do They Last:
Coffee beings to lose its freshness after 30 mins. Hence, it should be consumed fresh.
11. Banana Water
Banana Water is another high drink in antioxidants you can take every day. It consists of fresh bananas and 75% water. Apart from being sugar-free, it is also loaded with antioxidants.
What It Contains:
Banana water contains antioxidants (dopamine and catechins), a variety of vitamins, minerals and protein.
How To Make Best Banana Water:
- Peel three bananas and place them in a juicer.
- Blend them until they turn to a paste-like a mixture.
- Add one glass of water and blend again.
- Enjoy.
How Long Do They Last:
Freshly prepared banana water will last for about a day.
12. Orange juice
Forget going through the trouble of peeling and eating oranges as consuming orange juice is said to be equally beneficial if not more.
What It Contains:
Orange juice contains several antioxidants including hesperetin, naringenin, xanthophylls, cryptoxanthins and carotenes. It also contains vitamin C, water, potassium, carbohydrates, folate and protein.
How To Make The Best Orange Juice:
- Take a few oranges, peel them and cut them in half.
- Blend the fruit in a juicer and serve.
How Long Do They Last:
It’s better to consume while it’s fresh. However, if stored properly, it will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
The Conclusion
These 12 beverages are some of the best drinks high in antioxidants that you can consider.
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