We have all grown up being told to drink a lot of water. That’s because it keeps us hydrated, which in turn improves the functions of the body. But what if you don’t like water; especially when recovering from a fever or flu when nothing tastes good. You can try making some beverages at home that have the goodness of lime, coconut or fruits. Besides being flavourful and hydrating, these homemade drinks will also provide vitamins and minerals in a palatable way. So, if you’re looking for a delicious way to beat the heat wave and are tired of drinking just water, try these refreshing recipes that will keep you super hydrated.
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Guava Mint Masala
Ingredients:
4-5 lime wedges
6-8 mint leaves
½ teaspoon sour mango pickle
1 tablespoon chaat masala
2 cups guava juice
Method:
Muddle the lime wedges and mint leaves in a tall vessel. Add pickle and chaat masala and stir gently. Add guava juice and mix it well. Garnish the drink with guava slices and mint leaves. Serve chilled.
Optionally, you can add soda and ice cubes too.
Benefits:
Guava is one of the most nutritious fruits bursting with high profile nutrients. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and contains almost 3 times the daily requirement of this vitamin. It also contains Vitamins A and B and flavonoids. By virtue of all these, regular consumption of guava helps the human body develop resistance against infections.
Coconut Punch
Ingredients:
6 cups tender coconut water
1 cup tender coconut flesh
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
A Pinch of rock salt
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a mixer jar and blend for 2-3 minutes. Refrigerate the coconut punch for some time before serving.
Benefits:
Coconut is a versatile food item densely packed with nutrients and minerals. The water and edible meat of one coconut can take care of almost all the daily required nutrition. Any drinks made using coconut water replenishes the body with electrolytes, minerals and enzymes. Coconut water aids in digestion and metabolism too.
Herbal Tea
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons black tea powder
½ teaspoon grated ginger
2 pods green cardamom, crushed
1 teaspoon chopped lemongrass
4-5 mint leaves
4-5 tulsi leaves
1 tablespoon honey
Method:
Heat 4 cups of water in a pan. Add all the ingredients to the boiling water. Give it a gentle stir and let the infusion boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and serve it hot.
Benefits:
This herbal tea has the goodness of medicinal herbs like lemongrass, mint and tulsi, all of which help in soothing the nerves and reducing inflammation. Being rich in antioxidants helps to destress and calm the mind. It acts as an appetite suppressant and hence controls weight gain.
Cucumber and Mint Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
6-8 mint leaves
½ cup curd
1 teaspoon black salt
Ice cubes
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a glass and garnish it with cucumber slices and mint leaves.
Benefits:
Cucumbers have a very high water content and therefore promote hydration. They are also rich in antioxidants that help fight diseases. They are very low in calories and are hence a healthy option for weight loss. Mint aids in digestion and soothes the insides during ingestion and inflammation.
Watermelon Lemonade
Ingredients:
4 cups chopped and deseeded watermelon pieces
4 tablespoons lime juice
4 tablespoons sugar
Method:
Add watermelon pieces to a blender and puree until smooth. Sieve the puree through a mesh strainer. Add 4 cups cold water, lime juice, sugar and salt to taste. Mix well and serve fresh garnished with mint leaves.
Benefits:
Watermelon as the name suggests is rich in water content and electrolytes. It also contains a good amount of Vitamin A, which helps vision and immunity. The lemon juice is vitamin C rich and boosts immunity.
Dr. Deepali Kampani is a digital content specialist who weaves health and food through her pen.
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