Drinking water is essential—you don't need us to tell you that. Yet, as important as it is to drink water, it's not the only beverage worth reaching for. In fact, there are others that carry their own well-documented health benefits, and regularly consuming them can support everything from your heart to your gut. But which are they?
As you'll see, each pick brings something different to the table, whether that's antioxidants, probiotics, or a mix of both, so you don't have to (and shouldn't) choose just one. If you're ready to get hydrated, here's a closer look at what you should be drinking every day other than plain water.
Green Tea
First on the list is green tea. Consumed for centuries, this popular tea variety in particular has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer. There may even be potential benefits for brain health and muscle preservation as people age, making green tea worth drinking no matter your stage of life. Keep in mind, though, that bottled and heavily processed tea drinks may not offer the same benefits, so you're better off sticking with a traditional brewed cup.
So, why does drinking green tea yield all those benefits? Well, for one, the antioxidants in green tea (called catechins) appear to do most of the heavy lifting. According to Healthline, these compounds help protect your cells from damage and may support cognitive function as well as weight management. One especially notable catechin, EGCG, has been studied for its potential role in slowing markers of disease at the cellular level. Even better news is that green tea has virtually no calories when you drink it plain. Win-win.
Black Coffee
We know, we know: coffee often gets an unfair reputation. But the research on black coffee is actually not as scary as you might have imagined. For one, coffee's benefits come largely from its antioxidant content and its ability to reduce inflammation, both of which play a role in lowering cancer risk. As long as you drink it plain (which means no adding cream, sugar, or flavored syrups), you'll get the most out of your cup.
Beyond its role in cancer prevention, black coffee has been tied to a lower risk of several chronic conditions. Regular coffee drinkers tend to have a reduced risk of chronic kidney disease—researchers believe this is linked to the antioxidant compounds found in it. There's also solid evidence linking coffee to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, with the strongest evidence pointing toward dementia prevention more broadly.
The metabolic effects of coffee are worth mentioning, too: one study found that drinking four cups of black coffee daily was associated with roughly a 4% reduction in body fat. Obviously, you probably shouldn't use that as a reason to chug four mugs of Joe every morning. As with most things, moderation matters, and paying attention to how caffeine affects you and your sleep is a reasonable way to figure out your own limit.
Kefir
You probably know what yogurt is, but kefir? It's no surprise that kefir doesn't get nearly as much attention as tea or coffee, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it. This fermented milk drink contains a much wider variety of live microorganisms than typical yogurt, largely because it undergoes both bacterial and yeast fermentation. Research has also found that kefir doesn't just introduce good bacteria, but may help create conditions that let existing gut bacteria thrive.
Kefir's benefits extend well beyond digestion, too: it's rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12, and its unique probiotic strain, Lactobacillus kefiri, has been shown to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Kefir has also been studied for its potential to support bone health, making it a particularly useful beverage if you're looking to cover several nutritional bases with one drink. Plus, given how nutrient-dense it is, kefir can double as a light snack as well as a beverage.
If you're lactose intolerant, kefir might still work for you. The fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose, which makes kefir easier to digest even for those who otherwise avoid dairy. Just be aware that introducing any new probiotic-rich food can cause temporary gas or bloating while your gut adjusts. Start small, then work your way up.
At the end of the day, water might be the one-size-fits-all for everyone, but that doesn't mean you should always stick with plain Jane. It will always be the foundation of good hydration, but the three beverages mentioned here can each bring something distinct to your daily routine as well. Given how much each one offers, it's worth making room for at least one (or two) of them in your day.
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