Were you feeling tired all day? How about giving your body the much-needed energy boost when you wake up to supercharge it? Starting your day with a flavorful morning drink ensures a healthy mind and body. Apart from flushing the toxins present in your body, these morning drinks can enhance skin health, making it glow with radiance. Morning drinks contain vitamins, proteins, and micronutrients to improve skin health and support hair growth.
Significance of Including Morning Drinks Routine for Overall Health and Skin
Consuming a water-based drink or fresh fruit juice every morning will help eliminate toxins from your body while hydrating it. A study also revealed that people who drank a lot of water experienced better skin hydration when compared to the ones who did not[1]. When you wake up every morning, the pH levels of your stomach have high acidic levels, which leads to slow metabolism. When you sleep for 8 hours, your stomach and gut turn soft to facilitate quick absorption of nutrients. So, when you kickstart the day with a healthy morning drink, your gut will begin to absorb many nutrients with optimized capacity. So, starting your day by sipping on a morning drink is wiser.
How Hydration Affects Skin Health and Appearance?
It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking adequate water, as it is beneficial for your skin and body. From preventing acne breakouts to eliminating toxins, water remains the only inexpensive way to stay free from skin issues. It keeps your skin nourished and glowing. When you consume an adequate amount of water, it hydrates every cell in your body through your blood. The skin also remains hydrated while flushing away the impurities and toxins through the cells. If you are drinking less water, it can lead to dehydration and TEWL[2] or Transepidermal water loss, which causes dry skin, acne, and premature ageing[3].
| Aspect of Hydration | Effects on Skin | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Adequate Hydration | Glowing Skin | Maintains skin elasticity. |
| Reduced Fine Lines | Hydrated skin plumps up. | |
| Dehydration | Dull Skin | Skin appears lifeless. |
| Accentuated Wrinkles | Dehydrated skin shows lines. | |
| Flakiness & Irritation | Dry skin leads to irritation. |
We saw in the table above how staying hydrated is essential. Let’s delve deeper into how it is beneficial:
- Enhances Skin Tone: When you drink enough water, it helps in flushing out the toxins to achieve healthy skin. Study shows that when you drink two glasses of water, it will help your skin achieve a better tone by improving blood flow in the body[4].
- Improves Gut Health: Regular intake of water helps in enhancing your gut health to promote digestion[5]. A well-hydrated body will help regulate bowel movements, and the impurities will be discarded through faeces and urine. When your gut health improves, your skin will be clear and free from pimples or acne.
- Regulates Your Body Temperature: Drinking enough water will regulate your body temperature and prevent it from getting heated up. If you feel your body heat is more after a workout session or due to weather, drinking more water will keep rashes and boils at bay.
- Protects Against Premature Ageing: When you stay hydrated, skin elasticity increases, as the skin cells are nourished and moisturized[6]. Improved skin elasticity helps delay skin sagging and premature ageing signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Keeps Acne Away: Drinking enough water helps in balancing the water and oil content in your skin, thereby preventing excess sebum production. So your skin will not have clogged pores, which cause acne outbreaks. Lack of hydration and a hectic lifestyle are two major reasons causing adult acne among 6 in 100 people[7].
- Maintains pH Level: If you have susceptible skin prone to acne breakouts, you can revive its health through adequate hydration[8]. By drinking enough water to keep your body’s pH levels balanced, get a natural glow and stay free from blemishes.
Top 8 Healthy Morning Drinks
Rather than beginning your day by drinking plain water, you can try to include some of the healthy morning drinks listed below to give your skin a refreshing boost.
| Drink | Key Component/Nutrient | Skin Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Green Tea | Catechins | Combats free radicals; UV protection; improves elasticity. |
| Lemon Water & Honey | Vitamin C (Lemon), Moisturizers (Honey) | Boosts collagen; evens tone; hydrates and prevents breakouts. |
| Turmeric and Ginger Water | Curcumin (Turmeric), Antioxidants (Ginger) | Brightens; rejuvenates; reduces inflammation. |
| Aloe Vera Juice | Vitamins, Enzymes | Hydrates; boosts collagen; reduces redness. |
| Chia Seeds Water | Omega-3 | Nourishes; fights aging; promotes clear skin. |
| Coconut Water | Electrolytes, Cytokinins | Hydrates; anti-aging; nourishes with vitamins/minerals. |
| Carrot and Beetroot Juice | Beta-carotene (Carrot), Vitamins (Beetroot) | Rejuvenates; detoxifies; imparts glow. |
| Cucumber and Spinach Juice | Hydration agents (Cucumber), Vitamins (Spinach) | Hydrates; soothes; promotes healthy skin. |
1. Green Tea
Green tea tops the list of the best morning drinks, as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sipping green tea as soon as you wake up helps combat pimple and acne breakouts while improving metabolism. It is rich in antioxidant agents called catechins, which keep your skin glowing and healthy while keeping ageing signs away.
How to Prepare
- Boil a glass of water and switch it off
- Put a teaspoon of green tea leaves in the water
- Close it with a lid to let it steep for a couple of minutes
- Strain the leaves and mix a spoonful of honey
- Your green tea is ready for consumption
2. Lemon Water & Honey
Drinking lemon and honey added to warm water daily can benefit your health. Studies have revealed that the juice of a lemon can be very beneficial in fighting against fungal growth, which might cause skin infections[10]. And it contains vitamin C, which rejuvenates your skin and supports skin cell growth. The honey added to this drink possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which eliminate oil buildup in the skin and unclog the pores to prevent acne[11].
How to Prepare
- Take a cup of warm water
- Add the juice of half a lemon to the water
- Add a teaspoon of honey
- Stir well and drink
3. Turmeric and Ginger Water
The presence of gingerols[12] in turmeric and ginger drinks possesses antioxidant compounds and antibacterial properties to protect against skin infections[13]. These two potent ingredients in this concoction enable cell growth and prevent the occurrence of signs of ageing, like blemishes and wrinkles.
How to Prepare
- Take a glass of warm water
- Add half a teaspoon each of grated ginger and fresh turmeric
- Stir well and drink
4. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which make it a perfect choice as a morning drink to get glowing skin. It possesses skin-healing properties and can be very beneficial in enhancing skin health[14]. It is a potent source of vitamin B12, which helps improve your immune system to prevent infections. This drink contains vitamins E, C, and B, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium to enhance overall health. This hydrating drink has plant growth regulators named gibberellins to promote elastic and collagen production[15].
How to Prepare
- Using a sharp knife, peel the outer layer of aloe vera to reveal the gel inside
- Scoop the gel and rinse it well in water to remove the bitter taste
- Add it to your blender with some water
- Then add a dash of lime juice and honey for flavour
5. Chia Seeds Water
The outermost layer of your skin is made of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol, which serve as a protective barrier. Drinking chia seeds water aids in the improvement of the barrier function of your skin, as they have omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids[16]. Chia seeds protect the skin against free radicals by reinforcing antioxidants and epidermis. This drink is very hydrating for your skin and promotes skin strength, as it contains minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It possesses photoprotective properties, as it has zinc, polyphenols, and antioxidants to prevent wrinkles and UV damage.
How to Prepare
- Soak a teaspoon of chia seeds in some water and mix well
- Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to let it bloom
- Consume this chia seeds drink every morning on an empty stomach to enjoy its benefits
6. Coconut water
Coconut water has been a popular morning drink since ancient times. It is rich in essential nutrients like calcium and potassium to promote skin elasticity and prevent dry skin. It is abundant in antioxidants, which help combat the activity of free radicals and toxins. It is loaded with natural enzymes and has low calories, aiding in weight loss. It has vitamins C, B3, and B2 to keep the skin hydrated and glowing and promotes collagen production.
How to Prepare
- Cut open a tender coconut by slicing open the top part
- Invert it to let the coconut water flow into a bowl
- Pour it into a tall glass and have a refreshing morning drink
- Avoid using bottled coconut water and stick to natural ones to get its full benefits
7. Carrot and Beetroot Juice
This morning drink with root vegetables is a powerhouse filled with nutrients. It is rich in vitamin C to alleviate the signs of ageing[17]. The iron content of the vegetables helps in cell revival and delivers an instant glow[18]. You will achieve flawless skin, as it eases your bowel movement, enhances liver function, and detoxifies at the cellular level[19]. This hydrating drink is a perfect choice for resolving issues like skin pigmentation and acne[20].
How to Prepare
- Wash and peel one medium beetroot and two carrots
- Chop them and add to a blender with half a cup of water
- Add a slice of ginger to the mixture before blending
- Pour in a tall glass and drink with a dash of honey
8. Cucumber and Spinach Juice
This yummy juice is loaded with fiber content, which helps in removing toxins from your body without a trace[21]. This drink is rich in vitamins C and E and antioxidants, making it a practical choice as a morning drink[22]. Your skin will stay hydrated even in summer and have a radiant glow. The ascorbic acid and caffeine in cucumber eliminate water retention to prevent puffy face issues[23]. Drinking this juice regularly will keep pigmentation, acne scars, signs of ageing, and dark spots at bay.
How to Prepare
- Peel a cucumber and chop into cubes
- Rinse and wash a handful of spinach leaves
- Now put them in a blender and blend with ¼ cup of water
- Pour into a glass and add a spoon of honey to enjoy
Concluding Thoughts
Enjoying these healthy morning drinks on an empty stomach every morning is always advisable, as they will help in the complete absorption of all minerals and vitamins. Switch your coffee or tea with these refreshing morning drinks to wake up your body cells and get glowing skin. These health drinks will purify your internal organs, flush the toxins, rejuvenate the skin, enhance immunity, and promote metabolism to achieve precise and radiant skin.
References
- Research Center for Health Science and Technologies, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
- Professeur Philippe Humbert, Laboratoire d’Ingenierie et de Biologie Cutanees, Hopital Saint Jacques, France – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00160.x
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Berlin, German – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29392767/
- MU Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17352748/
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11192068/
- Natalia I. Dmitrieva, Douglas R. Rosing, Manfred Boehm – https://www.thelancet.com
- Paulista Medical School, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Brazil – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5798558/
- College of Nursing, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea – https://jkbns.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.7586/jkbns.2015.17.2.132
- NA
- Saneesh Kumar, Novartis – https://www.researchgate.net
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
- Victor Antony Santiago Jesudoss – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/10-gingerol
- Department of Dermato-Immunology, College of Medicine, Catholic Research Institute of Medical Science, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17454143/
- Department of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9204661/
- Signum Biosciences, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, USA – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32378329/
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou China – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8565237/
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040229/
- International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering & Management – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359863991_An_Analysis_of_Health_Benefits_of_Carrot
- Khyati Varshney, and Kirti Mishra: Assistant Professor, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Sanskriti University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – https://ijirem.org/DOC/40-an-analysis-of-health-benefits-of-carrot.pdf
- Institute of Cancer Research, Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090, Vienna, Austria – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21384253/
- Department of Pharmacy, Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/
- Studies on the Nutritional and Quality Characteristics of Cucumis Sativus Varieties – https://www.researchgate.net/
