Doctor rates popular drinks for inflammation, black coffee and store-bought coconut water rank at the bottom

Black coffee can raise cortisol when one is already stressed. (Picture: Pexels)

• Green tea rated healthiest drink for reducing inflammation
• Bone broth supports joint repair and gut health
• Store-bought green juice and vitamin water spike blood sugar

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What you consume influences your body’s immune response to harmful stimuli. While short-term inflammation helps heal, long-term chronic inflammation can cause serious health issues.

Dr Ethan Kellum, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon from Tennessee, in one of his recent posts rated commonly consumed drinks, sharing whether they are healthy or trigger inflammation.

Black coffee: 3/10

Black coffee is one of the most loved beverages, which is also rich in antioxidants and considered heart-healthy. But Dr Kellum pointed out, “It can spike cortisol when you’re stressed.”

Bone broth: 9/10

The orthopaedic surgeon rated it highly for being rich in collagen and amino acids, which support joint repair and gut health. It is excellent for alleviating inflammation, improves intestinal barrier function, and enhances nutrient absorption.

Store-bought green juice: 2/10

Green juice, whether bought from a store or made at home, is not considered healthy. Dr Kellum said, “It has zero fibre and is pure fructose, which spikes your blood sugar. It can be worse than soda.”

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Kombucha: 6/10

Kombucha is considered a healthy probiotic drink, but the orthopaedic surgeon noted that most commercial brands have more sugar than a coke. It should be taken in moderation, if at all.

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Almond milk: 4/10

Most people buy it from the stores, which means that it contains only 2% almonds, and many thickeners (gums) and inflammatory oils, such as sunflower and canola. These are added to improve texture, consistency, and shelf life.

Coconut water: 5/10

While drinking coconut water is considered safe by many, Dr Kellum shared that store-bought versions contain natural sugars, which is good, but it is about 15 grams per cup with minimal electrolytes.

Oat Milk: 4/10

Oat milk is loved by many, especially for adding to their cuppa coffee, but it contains seed oils that spike inflammation. Oats are also starchy carbohydrates, which means they are not good for your blood sugar levels.

Gatorade: 3/10

This one contains 34 g of sugar and artificial dyes. Dr Kellum shared that it is only useful after 90 minutes of exercise, when carbohydrates are needed, but otherwise avoidable.

Green Tea: 10/10

The only drink that got full marks is green tea. He said, “It is loaded with antioxidants and it will calm inflammation every single time.” It is also low in calories and sugar, making it fit for regular consumption.

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Vitamin water: 2/10

Despite being marketed as healthy, vitamin water contains almost the same amount of sugar as coke and should be avoided.

FAQs on popular drinks for inflammation

1. What are anti-inflammatory drinks?

Anti-inflammatory drinks are beverages made with ingredients that help reduce inflammation in the body. They often contain antioxidants, vitamins, and compounds that may support immune health and reduce oxidative stress.

2. Which drinks are considered best for reducing inflammation?

Some widely recommended drinks include green tea, turmeric milk, ginger tea, tart cherry juice, pomegranate juice, and lemon water. These beverages contain natural compounds that may help fight inflammation.

3. How does green tea help with inflammation?

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, especially EGCG, which may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

4. Is turmeric milk effective for inflammation?

Yes, turmeric milk (often called golden milk) contains curcumin, a compound known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

5. Can ginger tea reduce inflammation?

Ginger tea contains compounds such as gingerol, which may help reduce inflammatory markers in the body and support digestion.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.