Summer time is when we sweat more than during other seasons, thereby increasing water loss from the body. If we do not consume adequate fluids, it could lead to dehydration. Initial signs of dehydration are thirst, darker coloured urine, dry mouth and fatigue. Severe dehydration can lead to more serious health problems.
Many of you might reach out to chilled aerated drinks or an ice cream to quench thirst. Unfortunately, these are high in sugar and/or fat. Sugary beverages can increase thirst although they seem refreshing when you consume it. Instead, reach out for more water and more refreshing beverages.
Summer is the time to keep the body cool and hydrated. Although water is on top of the list for hydrating the body, there are several other nourishing beverages like tender coconut water, fresh lime juice, consommé (clear soup), thin rasam, light tea (without milk and sugar), vegetable juice, buttermilk, and so on that provide hydration besides supporting health by contributing to the total intake of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, protein, calcium and antioxidants.
Here are three refreshing drinks as shared by healthcare professionals –
Dr Dharini Krishnan, Consultant Dietitian & Integrative Dietetics Expert, Chennai
Tangy Jaggery Drink
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons jaggery
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon dry ginger powder
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Method of preparation
Mix all ingredients in one litre of water. Cool and serve.
Dr Anjali Nakra, Lifestyle Medicine Physician & Founder, Path to Health Clinic, Delhi
Cucumber Cooler
Ingredients:
1 medium cucumber
A few mint leaves
A small piece of ginger
1 teaspoon lemon juice
A pinch of black salt or pink salt
Method of preparation – Peel, remove the seeds and chop the cucumber into small cubes. Add a few mint leaves and ginger (quantity can vary according to taste). Add water and process well in a blender. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt if you like the taste. Decorate with a slice of cucumber on the rim and a couple of mint leaves.
Ms Chandra Gopalan, Ultra Marathoner & Fitness Trainer, Bangalore
Summer Veg Blend
Ingredients:
½ bunch spinach (palak) leaves
¼ bunch kale leaves
2 ripe tomatoes
½ beetroot
1 carrot
1 small cucumber
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Method of preparation – Clean all the vegetables. Peel cucumber and remove the seeds. Blend all of the above except the lemon juice in a juicer. Add the lemon juice to the blended mix. Serve chilled with a couple of mint leaves (optional) on the rim.
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