Healthy Drinks for the Heat

Lemonade      

Lemonade is one of the healthiest drinks to keep the body hydrated and cool. Just squeeze out some lemon juice, add water, sugar and pinch of salt to have the healthy refreshing drink which is loaded with vitamin C.

Mint-juice

Mint Juice is another cool drink which detoxifies the body, aids digestion and is a rich source of vitamin C and B, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and other nutrients. It can be prepared by blending mint leaves with jaggery (coarse brown sugar) or sugar, water, cumin powder and lemon juice to a smooth paste, and straining it.

Coconut-water

Tender coconut water is being promoted as a sports drink in many developing countries as it contains high amount of potassium and mineral. The nutritious wholesome cool water of coconut is low in calories, carbohydrates and fats, but is rich in antioxidants.

Mango-juice

Mangoes are the seasonal fruits of summer. The mango pulp can be blended smoothly and mixed with iced water to get fresh glass of mango juice. Better still; blend it with yogurt and castor sugar to prepare the delicious mango lassi, which is delectable rich food that can provide energy for children to enjoy in these hot days!

Apple-shake

Apple milkshake is an extremely tasty and healthy drink that not only quenches the thirst but provides the body with much required nourishment, with the natural goodness of apple and milk. Add a dash of vanilla to perk up the flavour.

Watermelon-juice

Watermelon, the favorite fruit of summer can be blended with lime juice and sweetener to not just quench thirst, but also to improve blood circulation, get sufficient amount of nutrients and prevent dehydration during the summer heat.

Sugarcane-juice

The sweet sugarcane juice can be a heavenly drink to the parched throat; in addition it has great health benefits. Consisting of healthy unrefined sugar, it can be consumed even by diabetics without any adverse effect on their health. Full of nutrition, it can supply the body with energy to keep going in the sweltering heat.

Green-tea

Iced green tea can keep the body hydrated by reducing perspiration. Along with antioxidants, green tea provides EGCG which can increase the metabolism of the body to a great extent, which aids in weight loss.

Pineapple-juice

Pineapple juice comes with great aroma, taste and flavor that endear it to all. A glass of pineapple juice can meet nearly half the requirement of vitamin C by our body. Pineapple juice is also a rich source of manganese, potassium, calcium and vitamin B6.

By: Umaru Maryam Hadejia