The #1 Anti-Inflammatory Drink to Buy at Target, According to a Dietitian

This refreshing sweet-tart sip is packed with antioxidants.

Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Like anything when shopping at Target, you have a lot of choices—especially beverages. From the sips on shelves to the ready-to-drink refrigerated section, there are plenty of thirst-quenchers available. But which options are actually healthy? And which can actually work for your future health? What you drink matters for your overall health, and some of those beverages can work for or against you when it comes to inflammation in the body.

Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Have Inflammation

But first, what is inflammation, and why should we care? “Inflammation is the body's natural response to protect itself against harmful pathogens and toxins,” says Maggie Michalczyk, RDN, founder of Once Upon a Pumpkin in the Chicago area. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. As Michalczyk explains, acute inflammation occurs during the healing process of an injury—from a paper cut to a broken bone. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is the body's response to unwanted substances like toxins, chemicals and pollution. Over time, chronic inflammation can make you more vulnerable to developing chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among others, according to StatPearls. “That’s why it's important to combat that through diet and lifestyle choices that are anti-inflammatory,” says Michalczyk.

An anti-inflammatory diet is one that’s plant-focused and rich in foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains and that limits red meat and ultra-processed foods, according to a 2023 review in Nutrients. It’s one thing to know that but another to put it into action, especially during a routine shopping trip at a favorite store like Target.

To find anti-inflammatory drinks at Target, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Plus, we’ll reveal the particular beverage Michalczyk says is the best anti-inflammatory drink to buy when you’re at the big bull's-eye.

Tips for Choosing Anti-Inflammatory Drinks at Target

Keep the Added Sugar Low

While there’s nothing wrong with having a sweet treat, consuming an excessive amount of added sugars can affect the function of your body’s immune system, which is linked to chronic inflammation, according to research in Frontiers in Immunology in 2022.

Unfortunately, sugar-sweetened beverages are a top culprit of added sugar in the diet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “There are so many drink options out there these days that are packed with added sugars, less-healthy ingredients and empty calories that are not contributing to our health. I feel it's important to choose foods and drinks that do support our health when possible,” says Michalczyk.

The American Heart Association advises keeping daily added sugar to 9 teaspoons a day for men (36 grams) and 6 teaspoons a day for women (25 grams). Your drinks should fit into these parameters in the context of the added sugars in your entire diet.

Look for Antioxidants

Antioxidants support your day-to-day long-term health, including when it comes to disease prevention. For example, beverages with polyphenols, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant properties, can be beneficial for chronic inflammation. “Antioxidants help protect the body from free radical damage, making it a great addition to the diet to help protect against chronic inflammation associated with disease,” Michalczyk says. You can find polyphenols in vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables.

The #1 Best Anti-Inflammatory Drink to Buy at Target

So, what beverage at Target is Michalczyk’s top anti-inflammatory pick? Her choice is Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. Look for it in Target’s refrigerator and produce section.

Pomegranate is a fruit that’s rich in a specific class of polyphenol called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant properties known for counteracting inflammation, according to a 2021 review in the International Journal of Functional Nutrition. It’s these anthocyanins that give pomegranates their rich, beautiful ruby-red color. They also promote gut health and even provide some protection against metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

Plus, this tart-sweet drink does not contain any added sugars. While the sugar count is still higher compared to some drinks, the sugar is natural to the fruit versus having any extra sugar added.

Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice can also be used in different mocktails. That’s great news when trying to reduce alcohol consumption or quit it altogether. Alcohol can contribute to inflammation, so reducing the amount of alcohol you consume is another factor that can help lower the inflammation in your body. Pick up the Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice at Target and try this refreshing Hibiscus-Pomegranate Iced Tea.

Read the original article on Eating Well.