It’s time you ditched sodas and sweetened drinks for good. These beverages may be cool and refreshing, but they are chock-full of artificial sweeteners and refined sugars that increase your risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Luckily, there’s tons of healthy beverages you can make yourself that won’t rot your teeth and cause unwanted weight gain. If you’ve grown addicted to the sugary buzz of sodas or artificially flavored juices, start by swapping the refined sugars for fructose, which is the natural, healthier sugar found in fruits. Fructose has been found to have numerous health benefits, such as lowered blood sugar levels and decreased risk of obesity. Fructose is also twice as sweet as refined sugars, which may help relieve your sweet tooth. Additionally, switching to natural sugars may lead to a sustained boost in energy and stamina, unlike the temporary sugar rush that you get from sweetened beverages.

You don’t have to deprive yourself entirely of sweet, refreshing drinks. Here are some tasty and highly nutritious juices you can easily make at home:

Pineapple and ginger juice

Pineapples are a great source of energy due to their thiamine content. This essential B vitamin is responsible for converting food into energy that your body can use to power through the day. Pineapples are also filled with the enzyme bromelain, which has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties beneficial for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and sinusitis.

If you find the pineapple taste too strong for you, consider adding fresh ginger to the mix to balance out the flavors. Ginger also possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost your immune system and promote cardiovascular health.

Berries, tomato and carrot juice

Many berries are great sources of vitamins and minerals that can help boost your energy levels. For instance, strawberries are rich in vitamin C and manganese that contribute to bodily functions, like digestion and metabolism. On the other hand, blueberries are rich sources of antioxidants that help protect the body from disease-causing free radicals that speed up the aging process. Combining the two berries can make for a sweet and tangy juice loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body will thank you for.

You can also take this further by adding tomatoes and carrots. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant found in many reddish fruits. Lycopene plays a vital role in lowering your risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, the vitamin A in carrots may be greatly beneficial for maintaining a clear vision, healthy bones and a strong immune system. You may also throw in a couple of raspberries or blackberries for extra flavor, but that is entirely up to you.

Pomegranate juice

Pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits out there. They’re loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium that aid and enhance bodily functions. For instance, vitamin C helps the stomach break down food, while vitamin K helps maintain strong bones and lower the risk of fractures. On the other hand, folate and potassium help the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Additionally, pomegranates are rich sources of antioxidants, which is why they have been linked to lowered blood pressure levels and good cardiovascular health.

Fruit juices are refreshing, nutritious sources of energy and natural sugar that you can easily incorporate into your diet. Experiment with other fruits and veggies to see what works best for you.

Sources:

MillennialMagazine.com

LiveScience.com

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2

MedicalNewsToday.com