Your favorite drink has health perks, but…

Drinks like coffee, milk or bubble tea, matcha or yogurt shake may not be usually considered as healthy, but these seemingly sinful drinks can actually be good for the body. From powerful antioxidants to anti-inflammatory properties, your go-to beverage can also bring health benefits with every sip.

“While water should be the undisputed number one drink on your list, adding other kinds of beverages to your daily rotation can also support your health in many ways. They can help you finish your tasks or relax and unwind. Some can even address gut issues,” says Dr. Angelo B. Lozada, gastroenterologist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “The key really is to be smart about it and choose those that provide additional nutritional value, not empty calories.”

For starters, coffee’s ability to improve brain activity goes beyond letting you finish daily tasks. “Coffee is rich in antioxidants that may protect the brain from oxidative stress that leads to cell damage. Studies have shared that drinking a cup of joe daily is also linked to lower chances of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.”

Wondering why milk tea feels like happiness in a glass? “It’s likely because its main ingredient—which is black tea in many recipes—contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps achieve relaxation.”

Another drink that’s all the rage these days is the earthy matcha, a specific kind of green tea known for its various wellness perks. “It’s a great source of epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory plant compound that has many benefits, especially on gut health,” he says.

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Still, be mindful of how you enjoy your favorite beverage, especially if you’re buying from popular chains. Dr. Lozada says, “Avoid milk tea add-ons like jelly or tapioca pearls to shave off unwanted calories. If you can, ask to lessen the amount of sugar, use a sugar substitute, or avoid any sweetener altogether.”

Contact MakatiMed On-Call at tel. +63288888999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph or visitmakatimed.net.ph.