Summers are just here, and it’s time for us to say goodbye to warm jackets. It's time to cool down and face the summer heat with a range of refreshing drinks and fruits. To escape from the scorching heat, one has to stay hydrated while replenishing nutrients that help cool down the body. Consuming summer drinks and fruits is one of the easiest ways to do the same. Summer fruits provide an instant boost of energy and help reduce tiredness and fatigue, something many of us experience during the summer season. So let the sun’shotness be dealt with efficiently with a few of the following tips by Dr Manoj Kutteri, Wellness Director, Atmantan Wellness Centre.
Coconut water
Coconut water is an excellent summer cooler which is also a great diuretic. It is a rich source of potassium and helps flush out the excess water from the body. It is deficient in calories and is also a great digestive drink. Besides reducing body heat, it can also help in improving digestion. This can help reduce body heat compared to any other sports drink available in the market. It is full of electrolytes and another healthy nutrients for our body. So taking one or two glasses of coconut water can be a life-changer during this summer.
Nannari Sarbath
Nannari Sarbath is an ancient drink that is traditionally consumed during summer. These drinks make you more energized. It is an excellent healthy alternative to sodas and other carbonated beverages. This traditional Ayurveda herb is used to pacify the pitta dosha and reduce gastric irritations. Nannari also helps boost the immune system and helps to enhance kidney functions. In addition, this herb treats general debility well well, which is a tonic and strengthens the immune system.
Ragi Ganji
Diluted Ragi porridge is another healthy drink. Ragi is a rich source of fibre, calcium, iron, which helps lower bad cholesterol and optimise weight. In addition, Ragi is an excellent source for Diabetes as the glycemic index is slightly less than many other sources of carbohydrates. It's also a good source of micronutrients, proteins, minerals and vitamins. In addition, the various phytonutrients present in ragi help slow down digestion and control blood sugar levels.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is an excellent drink made from yoghurt. This will help to beat the summer heat with its coolant property. Chaas is traditionally used as a brilliant digestive, and the addition of spices like cumin powder, ginger or thing enhances the benefits it has to offer. It is also a gut-friendly drink that helps to act as a probiotic for the gut. It is low in calories and is an excellent addition during periods of fasting.
Watermelon
Watermelon is another summer fruit abundant in many antioxidants and phytonutrients such as lycopene. It is deficient in calories and can be consumed by all without fear of gaining weight. It is an excellent coolant for the body and helps to protect us from the summer heat. Hence, this is used to treat or prevent summer stroke and prevent UV damage to the skin.
Mangoes
Mangoes, known as the “king of fruits”, is another excellent fruit that also helps to enhance digestion. This is highly enriched with fibre and does not create any sugar spikes. Raw mangoes can also be used by making a drink. It is one of the fruits which comes to humankind as a summer gift from nature.
Lychees
Lychees are excellent summer fruit which makes the body hydrated. These fruits are readily available during summer seasons and are a great source of vitamin A, C, potassium and polyphenols. Besides reducing body heat, they also help combat inflammation in the body.
Musk Melon/ Cantaloupe
Melon variety of fruits are naturally grown in summer, and they are also considered seasonal fruit. Besides providing the body with vitamins, minerals and potassium, it is also one of the best fruit for weight loss, healthy skin and hair.
Infused water
Infused water is another easy to make a cooling drink, and this is made by soaking slices of cucumber, parsley, celery, basil leaves in one litre of water. Drink this water throughout the day to keep the body heat at bay.