Autumn is Upon Us: Bring on the Seasonal Beverages

Fall is officially here and as the temperature begins to drop, there’s something to be said for the warm, cozy whisperings of autumn. From cottony sweaters and soft blankets to crisp sunrises and country hay rides, the shift into winter allows us the opportunity to take comfort in life’s changes—in transitions—while we pause to enjoy cool-weather pleasures such as steaming cups of apple cider and rich servings of hot cocoa.

While most of us assume that many of our hot-drink staples are simply treats to be enjoyed seasonally, in all reality, warm beverages such as tea, coffee, cocoa, and apple cider have an abundance of lesser-known health benefits.

HOT TEA

First and foremost, tea contains a wealth of antioxidants which help protect your body from the detrimental effects of pollution and aging, but they also go a long way towards preventing cancer, heart-disease, and age-related muscular degeneration. From there, studies have also shown that people who drink tea on a regular basis not only lower their risk of heart attack and stroke by about 70%, but also have increased immune defenses and metabolic rates.

HOT COCOA

Similar to tea, cocoa also contains high levels of antioxidants; however, it’s important to note that the antioxidant concentration in hot cocoa is actually about three times larger than green tea and even four or five times larger than black tea.

Hot cocoa also contains an abundance of flavonoids which not only help your body process nitric oxide and improve overall blood flow, but also make sure the platelets in your blood do not form clots. For this reason, since dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain and the flavonoids in cocoa increase blood flow and oxygen, many researchers think it may be possible to treat dementia with hot cocoa.

APPLE CIDER

Made from juice that is extracted from the pulp of pureed apples, the health benefits inherent in this sweet cider come from the fruit’s phytochemicals—phenolics, falonoids, and carotenoids. Thought to play a role in reducing the impact of certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and some forms of cancer, apples are another amazing source of free radical-fighting antioxidants.

COFFEE

While many people denote coffee as detrimental to our health, it’s actually the source of a variety of health benefits that keep our bodies and minds sharp.

Some studies have shown that participants who drank three to five cups of coffee per day wound up with a 65% decreased chance of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia, and it was even discovered that regular coffee drinking significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease-related death.

Additionally, research suggests that long-term coffee drinkers have a significantly reduced risk of developing type-II diabetes, which goes along with the significant weight loss seen by a large number study participants.

HOT BEVERAGES IN OUR BASKETS

Now that you’re familiar with the abundance of health benefits found in a myriad of fall-winter beverages, I’d love to take a moment to highlight the fact that we’ve included all of them in a variety of our baskets. From selections of smooth Godiva Chocolate Truffle Coffee and Bellagio Cocoa to spiced apple cider and soothing black tea, our arrangements are filled with fall delicacies that will bring an abundance of comfort and warmth to your morning, noon, and night.

To see our selection of gourmet baskets and to take a look at what we have lined up for the upcoming holiday season, please visit our website at www.GratitiudeGoodies.com, and as always, thank you for making us Atlanta’s #1 signature gift basket company!

Diane Campbell | Gratitude Goodies | www.GratitudeGoodies.com | 770-886-9598