Hydration is essential for good health, but maybe you’re not a fan of gulping down plain old tap water. Fortunately, if you’re bored with water, there are plenty of other healthy beverages you can drink to stay hydrated — and they can even provide you with things that water can’t, like potent antioxidants and vitamins.

While you shouldn’t go overboard with any of these drink options (no one needs 10 cups of coffee per day!), by including a few of these in your daily drink menu — in between your glasses of water — you’ll ensure that you stay hydrated and maybe get a few other health boosts too.

1. Smoothies

Smoothies can be a quick and easy way to get nutrients fast and serve as a meal substitute when you’re busy and on the go. But you just have to be a bit cautious that you don’t go overboard with the add-ons, says Theresa Gentile, MS, RD, CDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She guides her clients to the following ratios for a good smoothie:

2. Coffee

Beyond the caffeine, coffee has some definite health benefits. Studies have shown three cups of coffee per day can reduce your risk of developing cardiometabolic morbidities like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. And if you’re a fan of black coffee, the drink can help reduce inflammation. (Adding goodies into your coffee, like milk or sugar, can actually cause inflammation.)

Coffee consumption: Keep your coffee intake to the morning hours to help get a longevity boost from your favorite beverage.

3. Tea

Whether you like green, black, or herbal teas, tea provides plenty of benefits in every sip. For instance, green tea offers potent antioxidants called polyphenols that help your body fight off disease and inflammation, while black tea contains flavonoids that support heart health. Peppermint and ginger teas are great for helping settle nausea and aiding digestion.

4. Kombucha

Kombucha has been a popular addition to many people’s beverage repertoire, as this lightly fermented tea features the gut health benefits of fermented foods, along with the anti-inflammatory boost of tea. Keep in mind that kombucha does contain trace amounts of alcohol and eight grams of sugar per cup, so keeping it to about four ounces per day is best.

5. Milk or plant-based milks

Low-fat dairy or plant-based milks can be a healthy addition to your beverage repertoire. Gentile recommends sticking with unsweetened cow’s milk, almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk.

6. Coconut water

Coconut water is a nutrient-packed superfood that’ll help keep you hydrated and boost your antioxidant intake. Just enjoy in moderation, as every cup of coconut water has more than six grams of sugar.

7. Sparkling water or infused water

Yes, technically this is still water. But by adding a hint of flavor or bubbles, you can turn it into something more exciting to drink — and a great alternative to sugary or artificially sweetened sodas. Simply putting fresh-sliced fruits and veggies — think lemons, cucumbers, berries, or citrus — along with herbs like rosemary or mint, can make water a lot more palatable.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

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