The weather may be keeping you indoors, so curl up and relax by enjoying traditional refreshments like tea, cocoa, chai, coffee, or cider. These cold-weather favorites are a tasty way to get some additional health benefits, too. Start sipping!

Warming Beverages

• Apple Cider

  Tastes similar to apple juice, but with a more tart, robust, and concentrated flavor. Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and heat for a true autumn treat.

  Benefits

  • retains many of the benefits of whole, fresh apples—including antioxidants
  • may protect arteries from harmful buildups of plaque
  • daily consumption can reduce heart disease risk

• Chai Tea

  This Indian favorite is spicy, creamy, and sweet. Made from black tea, heated milk, and a combination of spices that can include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg.

  Benefits

  • black tea is linked to heart and bone health
  • black tea may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol
  • black tea can help the body recover from stress

• Cocoa

  Also known as hot chocolate, this childhood favorite is rich, sweet, and chocolaty. Typically made with milk. For a dairy-free version, use water.

  Benefits

  • cocoa consumption is associated with reduced cognitive decline in old age
  • cocoa possesses disease-fighting properties
  • cocoa may reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure

• Coffee

  This popular morning pick-me-up can range from mild to bitter in taste. Some enjoy it black; others add cream, milk, or sweetener. Flavored coffees are a tasty option.

  Benefits

  • contains antioxidants and minerals that have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, making it helpful against diabetes
  • may help relieve a headache and enhance mood
  • a compound found in coffee may help fight tooth decay
  • drinking anywhere from a half cup of brewed coffee (regular or decaf) to three cups daily is associated with a 21% reduced risk of stroke compared to drinking no coffee

• Green Tea

  Bright and refreshing in flavor. Depending on variety, can range from mild to acidic and astringent.

  Benefits

  • contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant shown to have antiviral effects that can protect against flu and upper respiratory tract infections
  • reduces heart disease risk and lowers cholesterol
  • helps control blood sugar
  • may aid in weight loss (drinking several cups daily)
  • contains polyphenols, which may protect the brain against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease