Q. List 5 summer drinks and how you can make them. Why we need these drinks to stay fit (the respective benefits of each one of them) It would be great if you could also provide us with some pictures of the same

A. Maintaining an optimum fluid intake and replacing the lost electrolytes is vital during summers to avoid dehydration and to compensate for water lost during perspiration. Since dehydration reduces your general fitness levels and adversely affects your work performance, the following summer drinks are recommended to rehydrate your system, oxygenate your cells optimally and aid you in keeping fit and alert throughout the day, irrespective of the exposure to the scorching summer heat.

1.Refreshing Watermelon juice

INGREDIENTS

Watermelon 6-8 cubes
Honey 1 tsp
Lime juice ½ tsp
Rock salt TO TASTE

METHOD: –

• Blenderize watermelon cubes (after removing the seeds) together and dilute as per preferred consistency.
• Add honey, rock salt and lime juice as per taste.

Nutritional properties:-

Watermelon has the highest water content i.e. 95% and is packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium. This is good for flushing out toxins from your body and to give that extra glow to your face. Watermelons have a low sodium content and high potassium content making them an ideal food for those suffering from high blood pressure, kidney problems and urinary tract infections. Along with honey and lime juice, this refreshing juice makes for a tasty and healthy summer drink.

2. Rehydrating Coriander and mint juice

INGREDIENTS

Coriander ½ bunch
Mint leaves 4-5 leaves
Tomato 1/2
Rock salt TO TASTE

METHOD: –

• Blenderize coriander, mint and the tomato together with little water to make chutney like consistency. Dilute as per preferred consistency.
• Add rock salt as per taste.

Nutritional properties:-

Being low in sodium and calories, high in calcium and packed with vitamin C, A and anti oxidants, this fresh and cooling juice easily qualify as a good thirst quencher during summers.

3. Cool cucumber juice

INGREDIENTS

Cucumber 1-2 NO (cut into small cubes)
Carrot 1 NO
Mint leaves 4-5 leaves
Ginger juice 1/2tsp
Lime juice ½ tsp
Rock salt TO TASTE

METHOD:-

• Blenderize peeled and cut cucumber and carrot together. Add mint leaves and ginger juice to the mix and dilute as per preferred consistency.
• Add rock salt and lime juice.

Nutritional Properties:-

This is an ideal juice to quench your thirst as is alkaline in nature (effective in treating hyperacidity) and rich in potassium (helps to combat fatigue and muscle weakness).It helps to detoxify the body, improves elimination of the waste products and is a great way to hydrate your body and keep your skin healthy. Addition of carrot packs in carotenoids and anti oxidants while ginger juice aids in promoting digestion.

4. Apple and honey Iced tea –

INGREDIENTS

Water, boiling 2 cups
Green tea bags 2
Honey 1tbsp
Apple juice 1 cup
Cinnamon powder a pinch

METHOD:-

Dip tea bags in hot water and le it steep in for 5 minutes. Strain out tea bags, and stir in honey and apple juice. Mix until honey is dissolved. Add cinnamon powder. Chill and serve over ice.

Nutritional properties:-

Being rich in catechin polyphenols, this drink clears and calms the mind, aids in digestion and helps the body to offer protection against free radicals and diseases.

5. Buttermilk, Fresh lime water/jaljeera and coconut water are few more preferred drinks to beat the heat of summers.

Method of preparation for spiced buttermilk or chaas-

Whisk 2-3 tbsp of yoghurt in a bowl; add 2 cups of iced water and blend well. Add cumin seeds powder, ginger juice, mint leaves and black salt, blend for a minute. Remove from blender, adjust the seasoning and serve in a tall glass.

Nutritional properties:-

Buttermilk, being low in fat, high in calcium and vitamin B12 and probiotics (friendly bacteria) qualify as a tasty, cooling and easy on stomach drink. Tender coconut water is rich in potassium, low in calories and a natural diuretic. And fresh lime water with black salt helps to compensate for the electrolyes lost.

ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist, Founder Director-Health Total, having health centers
in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune -manages obesity & other health related disorders.
Contact numbers: 1800 8918131/+91 86575 61727
For further information, Visit www.health-total.com