Homemade Health Drinks to Stay Cool During Summer
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The hot and humid Indian summer is well and truly upon us with many states predicting a heat wave for the next couple of weeks. It is essential to stay hydrated during these hot months to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
While water is the best way to hydrate your body, you can also switch to homemade health drinks that are not only refreshing and delicious but also loaded with essential nutrients to keep you cool and healthy.
Here are some easy-to-make homemade health drinks that you can try this summer
Nothing can beat a chilled glass of classic Nimbu Paani in peak Indian heat. Lemonade is among the most refreshing drinks and is made with lemons, water, salt, sugar and sometimes spices. Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into a glass of water, add honey or sugar to taste, some salt, ice cubes and stir. You can also add some mint leaves or a dash of spices for added flavour.
Not only is Nimbu Paani very refreshing and rehydrating, but the Vitamin C and electrolytes in the lemon and salt also re-energize the body.
Another terrific Indian drink that is excellent in the summer is Jal Jeera. Roasted cumin is the star of this refreshing and healthy drink. Cumin is an excellent source of minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium etc and hence can restore the electrolyte balance of the body in high temperatures.
To make jal jeera at home, dry roast cumin seeds and grain to a fine powder. Mix with chilled water, add a dash of lemon juice, salt, and mint leaves. Mix well and enjoy.
Curd-based drinks are quite popular in India as a way to beat the heat of the summer. Although many people prefer the sweeter, thicker and richer lassi, it may not be the healthiest option because of the added sugar in it.
A much better alternative would be chaas or Indian buttermilk, which is made by churning yoghurt with water and water. It does not have any other additives or sugar, making it a low-calorie drink that contains a good amount of calcium and phosphorus. It also contains probiotics, making it excellent for gut health.
If you're looking for more low-calorie beverages, here are 5 Summer Smoothies Drinks to help you rehydrate.
Coconut water is a naturally available, naturally sweet, electrolyte-rich drink to keep you hydrated during the summer. It is rich in potassium and magnesium and has a low calorie count. It can quickly re-energize and rehydrate you on a hot day with its water and mineral content. It’s the perfect drink to have after you visit the gym or fitness centre.
And it’s almost readymade for you. Simply cut open a young green coconut and pour the coconut water into a glass and enjoy.
Aam Panna is a delicious tart and refreshing drink made from raw mangoes. It is one of the best summer energy drinks you can make at home. Boil the raw mangoes until they are soft, peel the skin and mash the pulp. Add sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and water to the pulp and blend. The drink is loaded with Vitamin C and minerals and is an excellent coolant for your body.
Another amazing drink that comes from fruit is watermelon juice. It is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for the summer. Cut the watermelon into pieces and blend it in a mixer. Strain the juice, add sugar or honey, and serve chilled. Watermelon is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that help to keep your body cool and hydrated.
The above homemade summer drinks are an excellent way to beat the summer heat and keep your body hydrated and healthy. If you want plenty of other recipes for immunity-boosting drinks to beat the heat and summer superfoods to add to your diet, get a membership to FITFEAST today. With FITFEAST, you get a dedicated nutritionist who can help you with cool summer drinks to suit your fitness goals.
Yes, homemade health drinks are almost always better than store-bought ones because they contain fresh ingredients and no additives. Store-bought drinks are also guilty of containing a high amount of added sugar, which home-made drinks do not contain.
Aam panna, chaas, nimbu paani, coconut water and jaljeera are some great examples of homemade health drinks to stay cool during summer.
Absolutely. Not only do home-made drinks help you hydrate yourself because of the water content, but the minerals and electrolytes in homemade drinks like nimbu paani, aam panna and chaas restore the electrolyte balance of the body and prevent dehydration, which is a possibility in the high temperatures during the Indian summer.
To make a healthy drink, blend fresh fruits like berries or bananas with vegetables like spinach or kale. Add a source of protein such as Greek yoghurt or protein powder, and use water, milk, or a plant-based milk alternative. Sweeten naturally with honey if desired.
