Top 12 Beverages That Are Good for You in Winter

Pears are a familiar fruit that everyone knows. While we consume them frequently, not everyone is aware of their health benefits. Especially in winter, pears are excellent for your health, helping with many common winter ailments. Pears are particularly beneficial for soothing a dry throat, relieving sore throats, or hoarseness, and they are great for those with respiratory issues. While eating pears raw is good, during the dry winter season, it's better to slice pears and boil them with a bit of sugar or honey—honey is the best option. This drink helps ease throat discomfort and alleviates the feeling of dryness or thirst. Pear juice is also great for your stomach and is an effective remedy for coughs.

The sweet, refreshing taste helps moisturize the lungs, clear mucus, and nourish the blood. Therefore, when you feel any throat discomfort, consider drinking pear juice. Regularly consuming pears, especially after a period of overeating, can help detoxify the body and prevent constipation. Pears are rich in sugars and vitamins, which protect the liver and are particularly good for people who frequently attend social gatherings. They help lower blood pressure and are beneficial for heart disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and high blood pressure. Drinking pear juice regularly will show significant improvement in these conditions. Eating pears or drinking pear juice helps prevent illnesses and boosts your immunity during the winter season. It's simple to prepare: just choose ripe pears, wash them clean, cut them into small pieces, and juice them to enjoy a delicious and nutritious glass of pear juice that greatly benefits your health.

Grapefruit is a popular fruit enjoyed by many. It is packed with nutrients and, if consumed properly, can provide numerous health benefits. Like most fruits, grapefruit consists mainly of water (about 89% of its total weight), making it a perfect choice for hydration during the dry fall and winter months. Additionally, grapefruit contains around 30mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, and some varieties even contain up to 60mg per 100 grams, which is higher than lemons and oranges. The peel of grapefruit contains essential oils, and when combined with black tea, it can help release cold symptoms through sweating. By hollowing out the grapefruit and placing tea leaves inside, then drying the fruit in a well-ventilated area, it creates a form of grapefruit tea. This tea is specifically used to treat colds. As the tea leaves absorb the oils from the grapefruit peel during the drying process, its medicinal properties become even stronger.

Grapefruit is rich in citric acid and various salts, and even eating the segments of the fruit itself can help balance your body’s temperature. Since grapefruit contains a lot of water, eating it can help relieve dry mouth and soothe a sore throat. Additionally, the vitamin C in grapefruit can prevent illnesses like colds and coughs. You can also add some honey or rock sugar to the pulp and peel of the grapefruit and simmer it to create a soothing drink. It's best to drink this grapefruit tea at night before bed, as it will help ease your throat after a long night’s sleep. The taste of grapefruit tea with honey is sweet and refreshing, and the aroma of the grapefruit peel brings a relaxing, soothing feeling. During winter, you can mix grapefruit juice with warm water for a drink that helps prevent sore throats.

Over 2000 years ago in China, ginger was already being used as a herbal remedy to treat nausea, digestive problems, and stomach issues. In the winter, ginger tea can help keep your body warm and prevent colds. Drinking 2-4 cups of ginger tea daily helps clear sinuses, loosen mucus, and prevent congestion in your respiratory system. Ginger also has antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for the lungs and airways. Additionally, ginger tea aids digestion, reduces bloating, and may even help fight colon cancer. You can buy pre-made ginger tea from pharmacies, or make your own by crushing fresh ginger, straining it with hot water, and adding a little sugar. If you have time, preparing it yourself will give you the most flavorful and nourishing tea.

Ginger is packed with immune-boosting compounds like gingerols and gingerdiol, which have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. These compounds help strengthen your immune system, allowing your body to fight infections and prevent colds and flu. During the cold winter months, when the temperature drops, the body’s immune defenses weaken, making you more susceptible to illnesses like the flu, respiratory infections, and digestive problems. Drinking a cup of ginger and honey tea will help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and keep you warmer. Additionally, if you’re looking to lose weight before the New Year, drinking ginger tea every day is a great idea. Ginger is a natural thermogenic, capable of burning fat, boosting metabolism, and curbing your appetite.

Hot soy milk is an incredibly nourishing drink that's perfect for your daily routine. It’s not only rich in protein and vitamins A, B, and others, which are especially beneficial for women, but it also helps keep your body warm. You can either purchase pre-made soy milk or prepare it yourself using fragrant soybeans. Drinking hot soy milk in the evening can be a great remedy for insomnia. It helps to relax your muscles and promote a deeper, more restful sleep. During the winter months, it’s a good idea to heat the soy milk before drinking to stay warm and protect your health. However, be mindful of how you heat it, as improper heating can cause the milk to lose some of its essential nutrients. Studies have shown that for individuals with high cholesterol or a family history of coronary heart disease, soy milk is an excellent choice to help prevent heart disease.

Soybeans are packed with nutrients and are commonly turned into soy milk, which is consumed daily. Soybean powder mixed with cereals or cocoa is used as food for infants, people with diabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or those recovering from illness. Furthermore, soy milk contains vitamins A, B1, B2, D, PP, K, F, and digestive enzymes that are beneficial to the body. Additionally, this drink contains isoflavones that help restore estrogen levels in older women, preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of breast cancer. Soy milk also helps lower high cholesterol in men. The nutrient profile of soy milk is comparable to cow's milk, but with the added advantage of plant-based protein, which is less likely to cause allergies in children who are sensitive to cow's milk. However, soybeans have a cooling effect on the body and can cause indigestion. Therefore, people with stomach or kidney issues should limit their soy milk consumption to just one glass a day.

Hot chocolate is a beloved drink, especially during the chilly winter months. With its bittersweet, rich, and comforting flavor, it has the ability to warm both the body and the soul. According to nutritional studies, chocolate is an excellent body warmer on cold days. It helps the blood cells become less sensitive to free radicals and low temperatures, which prevents chills. Chocolate is a favorite treat for people of all ages, whether in the form of delicious chocolate candies or a steaming cup of rich, fragrant hot cocoa. Not only does it provide instant energy, but chocolate also has numerous health benefits and is known to enhance skin health and maintain a slim figure when consumed in moderation. In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is considered the center of all emotions, and dark chocolate is said to be very good for the heart. This is because the L-arginine in dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure.

Researchers at the Hershey Nutrition and Health Center in the United States have compared the nutrient content of dark chocolate with juices from fruits like grapes, pomegranates, strawberries, and blueberries, all of which are known for their high antioxidant levels. The results showed that dark chocolate contains more flavanols and polyphenols than these fruits. These antioxidants help neutralize molecules that damage cells, preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer. This supports the claim that consuming dark chocolate helps fight aging and enhances skin health. Additionally, the zinc content in dark chocolate helps regulate oil production, prevent acne, protect against UV rays, and maintain a healthy weight. Drinking a cup of hot chocolate each day not only keeps you warm but also boosts your health. It’s especially beneficial to enjoy it in the morning for an energy boost to kickstart your day.

Mint leaves are packed with vitamin B, calcium, and potassium, all of which contribute to boosting the immune system. This makes peppermint tea a great choice for combating common winter ailments like colds, dry coughs, and the flu. Peppermint is also widely used to relieve digestive issues, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. The compound (-) – carvone, naturally found in peppermint, has been shown to effectively inhibit muscle spasms in the digestive tract, which explains how this herb helps ease digestive disorders. Antioxidants, which are naturally occurring chemicals in plants, help protect and repair damage caused by free radicals—harmful molecules that can lead to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Studies in women have suggested that peppermint may lower male hormones like testosterone while promoting the necessary female hormones for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol. It may also alleviate tension headaches and migraines.

Because peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, it can help ease certain types of headaches. Additionally, peppermint essential oil boosts blood circulation and creates a cooling sensation that can reduce pain. Peppermint tea can help improve energy levels and reduce fatigue during the day. Although there have been no specific studies on peppermint tea, research shows that the natural compounds in peppermint may have positive effects on energy. Peppermint tea is an ideal choice before bedtime because it’s naturally caffeine-free. Furthermore, peppermint’s muscle-relaxing properties can help the body unwind before sleep. A daily cup of peppermint tea can enhance digestion, alleviate respiratory and digestive spasms, and promote overall well-being. So, make sure to enjoy peppermint tea every day!

Green tea was initially considered a medicinal drink. Over time, it transitioned from being a luxury item for the elite and royalty to a popular beverage enjoyed by everyone. Today, green tea is regarded as one of the healthiest drinks available. According to scientists, green tea leaves contain over 300 chemical compounds that are rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and weight loss benefits, while also promoting smooth, radiant skin. Green tea has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and slow the spread of lung cancer cells. Consuming green tea regularly can help detoxify the body, regulate blood pressure, promote heart health, fight off cancer, reduce stress and fatigue, boost brain function, slow down aging, improve skin appearance, and support weight loss.

Green tea is not just a drink; it is also considered a medicinal herb, which is why it contains certain active compounds with specific therapeutic properties. Modern science has paid significant attention to the health benefits of green tea, leading to numerous studies on its disease prevention and healing potential. The health benefits of green tea come from its high levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly EGCG, which is the strongest antioxidant found in green tea. EGCG, along with other compounds, plays a significant role in reducing the risk of several diseases, including some types of cancer. During cold winter days, there’s nothing better than enjoying a hot cup of green tea to warm your body. However, it’s important to note that green tea can stimulate the stomach to produce excess acid, which may reduce appetite and impair digestion. Additionally, drinking green tea on an empty stomach may cause discomfort, including nausea, dizziness, and a sense of lightheadedness.

Luo Han Guo, a fruit native to China, is renowned for its many health benefits, including treating fever, soothing sore throats, alleviating phlegm, and combating coughs. According to traditional Saigon medicine, the fruit is sweet, cool in nature, and non-toxic, making it beneficial for the lungs and spleen. It is commonly used to moisturize the lungs, soothe the throat, quench thirst, and promote healthy digestion. This makes it an effective remedy for treating coughs caused by lung heat and phlegm, throat inflammation, sore throats, and constipation from dry intestines. Additionally, boiling luo han guo to make tea is known to boost the immune system. Luo Han Guo Tea is also a highly nutritious drink, perfect for those experiencing internal heat.

During the winter, drinking luo han guo tea helps to soothe and moisturize the throat. Because it is low in calories, this tea is ideal for people with diabetes or those undergoing weight loss. To prepare luo han guo tea, break open the outer skin of the fruit and scrape out the inner pulp, placing it in a fabric bag. Steep the fruit with other herbs, flowers, or fruits for a tea with diverse flavors. This drink is easy to make, refreshing in summer with added ice, and perfect in winter to treat coughs and sore throats. Drinking one luo han guo fruit a day provides a delicious, sweet beverage that also offers impressive health benefits.

In traditional medicine, red dates are considered a precious health tonic, known for their sweet and slightly sour taste and warming properties. As such, red date tea is seen as a drink with numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamin C, this tea helps combat aging, promotes glowing skin, and provides vital nutrients for the body. Additionally, red date tea is great for cardiovascular health, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and helping to lower cholesterol due to the presence of Quercetin. It can also aid in cancer prevention, improve digestive function, support liver health, and enhance sexual function in people with kidney issues. Furthermore, red date tea is a natural remedy for relieving stress, promoting restful sleep, and improving overall vitality.

A 2007 study in China found that red dates contain an exceptionally high level of vitamin C, up to 20 times more than typical citrus fruits. They also boast significant amounts of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc, copper, thiamine, and riboflavin. In traditional medicine, red dates are used to improve sleep in those with chronic insomnia and support brain function. The saponins in red dates help reduce anxiety and stress, while also boosting memory and protecting brain cells from damaging compounds. Some studies show that red date extracts have improved sleep quality in lab mice. A cup of red date tea before bed can improve sleep quality, providing a natural remedy for insomnia. Thanks to their rich nutritional profile, dried red dates are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and can be steeped into red date tea for a healthy winter drink.

Honey is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals that are highly beneficial for the body. Combining honey with warm water in the morning is a great way to enhance overall health. When preparing honey water, mix it with water heated to around 60°C to preserve the essential nutrients in honey. This drink helps cool the lungs and detoxify the body. For the best results, it's advised to drink honey water in the morning and evening, as it can help improve sleep quality when consumed at night. Honey is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to its rich content of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that protect against harmful pathogens. These compounds also possess antibacterial and antiviral qualities, acting as a natural defense against illness. Additionally, warm honey water serves as an effective antioxidant, combating harmful substances that could damage the body.

Honey is also a quick source of energy due to its natural sugars. Glucose in honey is absorbed rapidly by the body, providing an immediate energy boost, while fructose is absorbed more slowly, offering sustained energy throughout the morning. This combination keeps you alert and focused on your tasks. Honey is also a natural remedy for colds and respiratory infections. Drinking honey mixed with warm water helps soothe a sore throat and alleviates coughing. Furthermore, honey water helps treat coughs caused by throat irritation. However, those with diabetes should avoid honey due to its high sugar content and consult a doctor for alternative options.

Chamomile Tea is an exceptional drink that offers numerous health benefits. Its cool properties help to relieve stress, detoxify the body, and regulate temperature. In Vietnam, chamomile tea is often enjoyed as part of a tea ceremony, allowing one to savor life slowly, find inner peace, and appreciate its artful nature. Chamomile has a gentle cooling effect, making it ideal for alleviating symptoms like dry mouth, sore throat, or eye dryness caused by weather. Unlike plain water, chamomile tea is a great way to cool down the body. With its yellow hue and mildly bitter taste, it is especially effective for treating liver heat or internal body heat, which can cause mouth sores or skin breakouts. If you often suffer from these symptoms, chamomile tea is a good choice to balance your internal temperature and prevent such issues.

Chamomile flowers contain flavonoids and minerals that help prevent aging, lower cholesterol, strengthen blood vessel walls, and protect against fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chamomile is cooling and beneficial for treating conditions like wind-cold, high fever, and headaches. A cup of warm chamomile tea every two hours can help alleviate cold symptoms. Research has shown that drinking chamomile tea regularly can enhance the effects of cancer prevention drugs. People who drink chamomile tea two to six times a week have a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer compared to those who don’t. Additionally, a cup before bed can help relax the body, leading to deeper, more restful sleep. Chamomile also has other health benefits, such as relieving menstrual cramps, curing bad breath, improving eye health, and soothing skin irritation. Regular consumption of chamomile tea can bring about surprising improvements in overall health.

Lemons are packed with benefits, and lemon water is considered a nutritious drink that supports both health and beauty. Rich in vitamin C, lemons provide up to 51% of the daily recommended intake, making them a great aid in maintaining heart health. Drinking lemon water during the colder months is especially beneficial, as the high vitamin C content boosts the immune system. This drink also helps to lighten skin, improve elasticity, and prevent dry, cracked skin during winter. If you’re not fond of the tartness of lemons, orange juice can be a great alternative as it contains even more vitamin C. Remember to always use fresh lemon or orange juice, not the bottled versions sold in stores.

During the winter, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, dry skin, and digestive issues. The perfect remedy for this is a warm cup of lemon water first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach. Just one small glass helps keep you hydrated and provides the essential nutrients your body needs. To maximize the benefits, you can add a spoonful of honey to boost immunity and combat common winter ailments. This is also an excellent natural remedy for sore throats, eliminating the need for medication. With its abundant vitamin C, lemon water is an effective way to support liver health, stimulating bile production and promoting digestive function. During the winter, many people struggle with colds, runny noses, and even chronic sinusitis. The best way to relieve these symptoms quickly is by drinking a warm glass of lemon water every morning, or before meals. Vitamin C, along with essential minerals like iron, will help fight off seasonal illnesses.