Beat the heat with these natural drinks in this summer
In the Indian health system of Ayurveda, our daily routine and eating habits should be in harmony with the cycles of nature. With the temperature soaring at its peak this summer, it is vital to remain well-hydrated and nourished. Before you think of picking up that fizzy carbonated drink full of sugar and unwanted chemicals to quench your thirst, here are some ways that you can stay healthy this summer.
Lemonade
Available throughout the year, lemons are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and a great way to detoxify your body. The anti-oxidants in lemon juice decrease blemishes and keeps your skin hydrated.
Coconut water
It is one of the purest drink that mother nature has gifted us. It is packed with minerals, electrolytes and natural enzymes. Coconut water is nature's most refreshing drink to beat the heat and replenish the dehydrated body.
Buttermilk / lassi
Being a probiotic, it not only takes care of your digestive system, as it quenches your thirst. You can have either a sweet lassi to which sugar is added or a salted lassi with salt and lime juice to get added benefits !
Watermelon
A fruit that mainly ripens in summer, is the perfect summer fruit having more than 90 % water content, so it naturally quenches your thirst by eating it. It can be made into smoothie or just plain watermelon juice, which tastes delicious when chilled. It is loaded with antioxidants and water, it keeps you healthy and hydrated.
Sugarcane juice
Nothing more energetic than having a big galls of sugarcane juice on a hot summer day, as it not just hydrates your body, it gives you instant energy boost due to the naturally occurring sugar. Though many would say that it is not recommended for diabetics, I'ld say, having it on a regular basis is a big NO, but surely having it rarely is allowed.
Cucumber
As the most refreshing summer ingredient, cucumber can be used in various ways. Add it to your salad, eat it raw or juice it if you like to feel hydrated and refreshed from the summer heat. Keeping slices of cucumber over your eyes and relaxing, makes the eyes also feel better and refreshed.
Jaljeera
If you get bored of eating salads and fruits in the long, hot summer, jaljeera is a great way to add some spice to your palate with its tangy and spicy taste that is also a great digestive.
Aam panna ( raw mango juice)
It is made from raw green magoes, by boiling or pressure cooking it. Removing the pulp of the mango in a mixer jar, adding sugar, rock salt, jeera/ cumin powder, pepper powder wee bit, it is mixed well adding little water. When you want to drink, add roughly 1/4 glass of this juice, add cold water, mix well. It helps the body to cool in the summer heat.
What things one should avoid in summer
1) dinking ice-cold water is a big NO, carbonated drinks and milk-based fruit smoothies that disrupt the digestive system and create toxins in the body.
2) Exerting yourself during the day, especially under direct sunlight and try doing them during the cooler time instead such as morning or late evening.
3) Hot, spicy and greasy foods should bit be consumed. Opt for cooler foods that will help you remain hydrated, well nourished and calm.
Lemonade
Available throughout the year, lemons are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C and a great way to detoxify your body. The anti-oxidants in lemon juice decrease blemishes and keeps your skin hydrated.
Coconut water
It is one of the purest drink that mother nature has gifted us. It is packed with minerals, electrolytes and natural enzymes. Coconut water is nature's most refreshing drink to beat the heat and replenish the dehydrated body.
Buttermilk / lassi
Being a probiotic, it not only takes care of your digestive system, as it quenches your thirst. You can have either a sweet lassi to which sugar is added or a salted lassi with salt and lime juice to get added benefits !
Watermelon
A fruit that mainly ripens in summer, is the perfect summer fruit having more than 90 % water content, so it naturally quenches your thirst by eating it. It can be made into smoothie or just plain watermelon juice, which tastes delicious when chilled. It is loaded with antioxidants and water, it keeps you healthy and hydrated.
Sugarcane juice
Nothing more energetic than having a big galls of sugarcane juice on a hot summer day, as it not just hydrates your body, it gives you instant energy boost due to the naturally occurring sugar. Though many would say that it is not recommended for diabetics, I'ld say, having it on a regular basis is a big NO, but surely having it rarely is allowed.
Cucumber
As the most refreshing summer ingredient, cucumber can be used in various ways. Add it to your salad, eat it raw or juice it if you like to feel hydrated and refreshed from the summer heat. Keeping slices of cucumber over your eyes and relaxing, makes the eyes also feel better and refreshed.
Jaljeera
If you get bored of eating salads and fruits in the long, hot summer, jaljeera is a great way to add some spice to your palate with its tangy and spicy taste that is also a great digestive.
Aam panna ( raw mango juice)
It is made from raw green magoes, by boiling or pressure cooking it. Removing the pulp of the mango in a mixer jar, adding sugar, rock salt, jeera/ cumin powder, pepper powder wee bit, it is mixed well adding little water. When you want to drink, add roughly 1/4 glass of this juice, add cold water, mix well. It helps the body to cool in the summer heat.
What things one should avoid in summer
1) dinking ice-cold water is a big NO, carbonated drinks and milk-based fruit smoothies that disrupt the digestive system and create toxins in the body.
2) Exerting yourself during the day, especially under direct sunlight and try doing them during the cooler time instead such as morning or late evening.
3) Hot, spicy and greasy foods should bit be consumed. Opt for cooler foods that will help you remain hydrated, well nourished and calm.