Anti-Inflammatory Drinks That Double as Heart-Helpers

25. Olive Leaf Tea: Beyond the Oil's Benefits

We know olive oil is heart-healthy, but the leaves pack a punch too! Olive leaf tea contains high concentrations of oleuropein and other polyphenols, powerful antioxidants with significant anti-inflammatory activity. Studies suggest these compounds may help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation (a key step in plaque formation), and improve overall vascular health. This slightly bitter, herbaceous tea offers a different way to harness the well-documented cardiovascular benefits of the olive tree.

26. Chaga Mushroom Tea: The Antioxidant-Rich Brew

Hailing from cold climates where it grows on birch trees, the Chaga mushroom is revered in folk medicine. Brewed as a tea, it yields an earthy drink exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly melanin and superoxide dismutase, which combat damaging oxidative stress linked to inflammation and chronic disease. Chaga also contains polysaccharides like beta-glucans, known for their immune-modulating and potential anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a potent brew for bolstering the body's defenses against cellular stress.