Anti-Inflammatory Drinks That Double as Heart-Helpers

23. Kombucha: The Fermented Tea Fizz (Check Sugar!)

This trendy fermented tea offers probiotics plus the antioxidant benefits derived from its tea base (usually black or green). These components can contribute to gut health and potentially reduced inflammation. However, be mindful! Many commercial kombuchas are loaded with added sugar, which can increase inflammation and negate the benefits. Helpful Tip: Opt for brands with low sugar content (under 5g per serving) or brew your own at home to control sweetness, ensuring this bubbly brew works for your heart health, not against it.

24. Hawthorn Berry Tea: The Traditional Heart Tonic

For centuries, hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used in traditional European herbalism specifically to support heart function. This botanical brew is rich in flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), potent antioxidants believed to help relax and dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, and exert mild anti-inflammatory effects. Enjoying a warm cup of hawthorn tea offers a gentle, time-honored way to nurture your cardiovascular system, steeped in herbal tradition.