WHICH HOT DRINK IS THE HEALTHIEST?

HEALTH FLASH     So which hot drink is the most healthboosting and how can you make them better for you? While both tea and coffee come with various health benefits, they can be bad for you and even fattening. So which hot drink is the most health-boosting?  HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR BEVERAGE?      Of all the hot drinks out there, coffee can do the most damage, according to James Duigan, personal trainer. "That's because it contains the most caffeine. A small amount of caffeine is beneficial — I often have a coffee before I exercise, because it helps you exercise for longer plus it revs up your metabolism. But an excess causes your body to become very stressed so it starts to pump out the stress hormone cortisol. This causes your body to cling to fat."      Pregnant women should stick to two cups of coffee per day. "The types of coffee you get in high street coffee shops can be incredibly calorific," says Dr Carina Norris, a nutritionist. "A large latte can contain up to 350 calories. Two a day is the equivalent of a full meal." Choose skimmed milk, no sugar and sprinkle cinnamon on your latte. "It helps keep blood sugar levels steady and reduces hunger cravings," says James.  COFFEE MAKES YOU FAT  While a small and skimmed latte won't do your waistline too much harm,James advises staying away from what he calls 'junk caffeine'. "Frappuccinos, mochas, iced coffees and anything with flavoured syrup can add hundreds of calories to your diet," he says. A strawberries and cream frappuccino with whipped cream contains 459 calories and a double chocolate frappe contains 483 calories. "Treat these drinks as you would a slice of cake," advises Dr Norris. "Have them occasionally."  IS TEA BETTER?  Regular English breakfast tea seems to have more health benefits than coffee, according to several studies. A recent one from Harvard University has discovered the immune cells of people who drink tea in the morning responded five times faster to germs than coffee drinkers. The scientists think tea reduces stress levels, whereas other caffeinated drinks, like coffee, can raise them. Another study — published in a health journal , discovered that regularly drinking tea can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. It's also a natural source of fluoride to protect against tooth decay and gum disease. "Tea also counts towards your daily liquid intake," says Dr Norris. "So it's very good at keeping you hydrated."      However, James recommends sticking to five cups a day and avoiding it before bed.  SO, HERE'S WHAT WORKS...  "Herbal teas are a fantastic addition to your diet," says James. "They can help improve your digestion, clear up your skin and help you sleep." Studies show ginger tea is good if you're feeling run-down, thanks to its warming effects. Fennel tea is great for digestion and relieving constipation because it works on the internal muscles that help your digestion. "It's also a diuretic; helps your kidneys flush out impurities," say Dr Norris. Peppermint tea is great after a heavy meal because it will help you de-bloat. If you're feeling stressed and heading for burnout, try nettle tea which is a source of iron and can boost energy. Make your last drink of the day a chamomile tea. It contains tryptophan, which promotes sleepiness.  Daily Mirror Tea is said to reduce stress levels