Step aside cranberry juice and wine. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, tested beverages and ranked them by their levels of antioxidants. Pomegranate was judged as the healthiest drink of all, ranking it higher than red wine, tea, and cranberry juice.
In recent years, berry juices have been found to have rich amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants, which have been shown to fight everything from heart disease to cancer. The juices that contain the most antioxidants are the ones with the strongest and most vivid colors.
Here are the 10 healthy drinks in order of their ranking:
1. Pomegranate juice
2. Red wine
3. Concord grape juice
4. Blueberry juice
5. Black cherry juice
6. Açai juice
7. Cranberry juice
8. Orange juice
9. Tea
10. Apple juice
Pomegranate achieved its high rating because it contains the highest amounts of all types of antioxidants. It’s also been linked to protection against heart disease and cancer.
Research also indicated that other beverages high on the list also have potent disease-fighting abilities. Concord grape juice is good for the heart and may help lower blood pressure. Blueberry juice may help lower inflammation, and black cherry juice may help reduce muscle injuries caused by exercise. Researchers are finding that the old wives’ tale that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections is actually true.
Still, experts say no one should drink any fruit juice by the gallon—even those high in antioxidants. Too much sugar can pack on the pounds. Instead, eat the fruit itself whenever possible, which contains fiber and other nutrients not found in juices.
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