This week we have picked five best summer drinks that offer plenty of health benefits. Read on…
health
Nothing may feel better than gulping down a glass of water after the wear-and-tear you go through in summer, but sometimes a dash of healthy flavour never hurts. Nothing is better than an afternoon spent in a shade on a terrace with an ice-cooled drink in hand. No doubt, homemade summer drinks are the best way to beat the heat and hydrate well.
It is also important to stay away from caffeinated beverages and processed drinks and juices that may do more harm than good given the high sugar and sodium levels in them. No matter how much you crave for a chilled cold drink or a quick glass of cold packaged juice, it is always better to look for healthier summer drinks which are loaded with essential nutrients. This week we have picked five best summer drinks that offer plenty of health benefits. Read on…
Coconut Water: Rich in natural sugars and being all water, nariyal pani can be your go-to energy booster in summer. Packed with electrolytes and flavour, coconut water is the clear liquid found inside young coconuts and has a slew of health benefits. The refreshing beverage is great on its own or used in healthy smoothie recipes, and it is known for its slightly sweet and nutty flavour. Coconut water fits into both low calorie and low sugar diets since it only has about 45 calories per cup and around 11 grams of sugar. This low-calorie liquid is also packed with bioactive enzymes that aid digestion.
When it comes to having glowing skin, coconut water is considered to be a blessing. Antioxidants in coconut water make it an effective anti-ageing remedy. According to research, coconut water is rich in urinary citrate that prevents the formation of kidney stones. Alongside all other health benefits of coconut water, comes its role in regulating blood sugar levels. Despite being rich in natural sugars, this miracle liquid helps you to have regulated blood sugar levels.
Sugarcane juice: Ganne ka juice, as we would call it colloquially in Pakistan, is a lip-smacking summer drink. The naturally green coloured cane juice is not just sweet and relishing, but also extremely nourishing. It has amazing health benefits and is packed with vital nutrients. It can strengthen the bone, boost the immune system, enhance digestion and relieve stress. The natural supply of sucrose in sugarcane gives your body the right amount of energy that can kick-start your day. It is also the best choice to rehydrate the body and shake off fatigue. Drinking sugarcane juice will help in preventing urinary tract infection, especially when you experience burning sensation while passing urine and it also averts kidney stones.
The antioxidants in sugarcane juice protect the liver against infection and maintain the bilirubin levels in control. Sugarcane juice replenishes your body with lost proteins and nutrients required to recover from any kind of ailment, rapidly. With the presence of potassium, it also helps in maintaining a good digestive system, and prevents stomach infection at bay. One of the benefits of sugarcane juice is that it fights acne, reduces blemishes, delays ageing and keeps the skin supple.
Lassi: A popular traditional yoghurt-based drink is relished by all and sundry. This age-old drink is one of the best cooling summer drinks packed full of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for your health. Essentially, lassi is made by blending dahi (yoghurt) with water along with a pinch of salt or sugar. You can also add dry fruits, herbs, and other ingredients to your tall glass of lassi to enhance the flavour.
Lassi is usually consumed during or after a meal and is claimed to offer a range of health benefits, such as aiding digestion and boosting immunity. It can provide your body with calcium, vitamin D and many essential vitamins. Rich in nutrients, lassi contains a good amount of fibre, which provides relief from many stomach problems such as constipation, gas and acidity. The abundance of calcium present in lassi is also very helpful in relieving fatigue. Along with giving instant energy, it also refreshes the mood.
Lemonade or Nimbu Paani: A glass of lemonade on a hot summer day is the most refreshing drink around the world as it is easy-to-make, delicious and healthy. All you need to make this thirst quencher is a couple of ripe lemons, a squeezer and cold water. Add a sweetener of your choice and some table salt or rock salt if you like and your refreshing drink is ready.
It also has beneficial properties. It improves digestion, enhances our immune system, boosts energy, alkalises and hydrates the body, reduces mucus and phlegm, promotes healthy and rejuvenated skin, boosts brain power and helps in weight loss.
Lemons are enriched with Vitamin C, which can cause oxidation processes that assist in the breakdown of extra fat. Furthermore, the beverage is high in pectin, a type of fibre that really can help you feel full and reduce hunger cravings. Lemonade with vitamin and antioxidant content might help to replenish your skin from the inside out and give you a healthy shine. Its purifying element helps to detoxify your blood as well as provides your epidermis with exceptional reparative and antiseptic properties.
Watermelon juice: Watermelon juice comfortably sits atop the health charts for the best summer drink. Blessed with generous amount of water and vital nutrients, watermelon juice has a cooling effect on our body like no other. It is rich in water content and has a sweet flavour. The juice helps you stay hydrated and well-nourished. Watermelon is also a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, and many other important nutrients. It is also low in fat and calories.
Watermelon juice also houses a component called Lypocene, which along with Beta-carotene ensure a strong and stable heart. Watermelon juice keeps you active all day, controls your blood pressure and keeps the skin hydrated and moisturised. The potassium present keeps your heart healthy with the skin and hair kept perfect.
How to make watermelon-citrus detox drink: Take 1 cup watermelon, 1 lemon, little Ginger, 2 cups chilled water; blend everything together in chilled water and drink.
