Popular medical journals rank the healthiest foods, including beverages, every year. The idea of the effect of a particular nutritional element on the body is made on the basis of the latest data obtained on the substances it contains and their properties. The ratings are compiled in several categories: from the point of view of benefits for an absolutely healthy person, prevention of the most common and serious diseases, improving the well-being of groups of people suffering from certain diseases, for example, blood vessels and heart. However, there are drinks that occupy top positions in all categories: pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry and apple juices, mineral water, white and green teas, milk, kefir.
Pomegranate juice – one of the most useful and biologically active products. Contains a large amount of vitamin C, B1, B2, A, E, PP, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium. This drink increases hemoglobin, with regular use, it noticeably improves the well-being of hypertensive patients, helps to normalize the work of the heart. The polyphenols contained in pomegranate destroy free radicals, which are the cause of early aging and many serious diseases, inhibit the development of cancer and tumors. However, it should be remembered that due to its high acid content, pomegranate juice can have a negative effect on the stomach, so it must be consumed diluted. Pomegranate juice is especially necessary for people who are on a diet, and not only because of the high content of vitamins, but also because it successfully fights anemia, which often occurs with dramatic weight loss. The most useful is pomegranate juice in combination with carrot juice, since they practically do not contain sugar, however, they enrich the body with most of the necessary microelements.
Cranberry juice contains a large amount of organic acids, pectin substances and vitamins. Among the acids, the most useful for the body are benzoic, citric, succinic and cinchona, of vitamins – B1, B2, B5, B6, K, PP, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, magnesium, barium, boron, iron, manganese, molybdenum, titanium , zinc, aluminum. Cranberries contain a unique combination of betaine, anthocyanins, catechins, flavonols that prevent aging and cell death, the formation of free radicals and the development of tumor tissues. Cranberries are a unique means of maintaining the body during diets: with all the richness of trace elements it contains, of the sugars in this berry are mainly glucose and fructose, and sucrose, which is used by the body as a supply of nutrients, is incomparably less in it. One of the most important properties of cranberry juice is bactericidal, so it promotes healing of gums and kills bacteria that cause tooth decay. Cranberries remove toxins and salts of heavy metals from the body, stimulate physical and mental activity, especially in combination with berries or rosehip infusion.
Blueberries – a distant relative of cranberries, it contains almost the same set of trace elements, however, it is devoid of bactericidal properties, so the collected berries quickly turn sour. The unique property of blueberries is that they contain specific compounds of anthocyanins with glycosides. They activate retinal enzymes, thereby improving vision and facilitating the rapid adaptation of the eye to work in twilight, darkness, or, conversely, in bright light. It has been established that regular consumption of blueberry juice can restore vision by more than 1,5 diopters.
Apple juice contains a lot of iron, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the circulatory system. This simple and at the same time unique drink can significantly improve breathing and lung condition, even among experienced smokers. The high content of vitamin C, organic acids and minerals, combined with low calorie content, make apples an indispensable friend of people seeking weight, there are a number of diets based mainly on the use of apples and apple juice.
Milk – one of the most essential food for humans, it contains calcium, which is necessary for the normal development of bones and teeth in at least three different compounds. The content of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium is higher than in any other drink, in addition, it contains zinc, which is necessary for the health of the reproductive system, iodine is an essential element for the thyroid gland, and the antioxidant selenium, which slows down the aging of blood vessels. Skim milk is a staple of many diets, as it is good at replenishing protein deficiencies and moderate appetite.
Kefir has the same properties as milk, in addition, it contains several dozen types of milk, yeast and acetic acid bacteria, as well as several types of kefir mushrooms, which contribute to the normalization of the intestines and the digestive system as a whole. Kefir has a beneficial effect on metabolism, improves health and stimulates immunity, kills many harmful pathogens, including tuberculosis. This drink is a great find for nutritionists: on its basis, more than fifteen diets of various durations have been developed.