Think juice is full of sugar and a nutrition no-no? These healthy juices pack some powerful health perks (just don’t guzzle them down by the gallon).
Drinking a couple of glasses of OJ prevents the inflammation that can be triggered by a fast-food breakfast, making damage to blood vessels less likely, research shows. The protective effect may come from the juice’s high levels of flavonoids, plant pigments with anti-inflammatory properties. Drink a few ounces along with these healthy breakfast ideas.
Lemonade: Thwarts kidney stones
Several studies suggest lemonade can help ward off kidney stones, a painful problem that’s on the rise. If you’ve had kidney stones, cut your risk of a recurrence by as much as 90 percent with a daily dose of lemonade: Mix four ounces of lemon juice with two liters of water; drink straight up or sweetened, says Roger L. Sur, MD, director of the University of California, San Diego, Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center.
Grape juice: Boosts brain function
It’s a good source of anthocyanins, antioxidants that seem to enhance brain function. In one study, older adults who drank Concord grape juice daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvement on memory tests. These weird brain exercises can also help you get smarter.