The refreshing, sweet drink you mindlessly reach for to start your day might just be fueling chronic inflammation in your body. A recent large-scale study by Harvard Medical School researchers involving over 110,000 people found that those who consume sugary drinks daily are at a significantly higher risk for not only chronic inflammation and obesity, but also stomach cancer. This is why so many people are turning their attention to changing their daily diets and drink choices.

Medical experts recommend changing what you drink daily rather than searching for elaborate medicines to flush out inflammation. The most notable alternative to your morning coffee or syrup-laden latte is unsweetened matcha. American nutritionist Joanna Kaatz explains that the concentration of catechin, a powerful antioxidant found in matcha, is up to 137 times higher than that of regular green tea. The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea is effective at reducing inflammation in blood vessels and lowering bad cholesterol levels.

Adding five inflammation-fighting foods to your meals can multiply these effects. Some of the top foods doctors frequently recommend include omega-3-rich fatty fish, tart cherries packed with the potent antioxidant anthocyanin, and extra virgin olive oil, which contains the anti-inflammatory compound oleocanthal. Beyond these, simply adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, or walnuts and flaxseeds rich in alpha-linolenic acid, to your diet can make your body feel significantly lighter.

Chronic inflammation in the body doesn't appear or disappear overnight. Why not start a small habit today of avoiding high-fructose drinks and opting for a cup of warm matcha or a spoonful of olive oil on your salad instead? It’s the easiest and most reliable health investment you can make in your daily life.

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