Introduction
The summers can be brutal and the inexorable sun and the soaring temperatures can prove to be a double whammy. This summer blow needs to be combated with something healthy as this hot summer not only leaves us craving for something cool but also sweet sometimes. And believe me – Cold drinks are not the right option. You must survive and relentlessly beat the heat by keeping yourself hydrous with natural and healthy drinks.
We all know the harmful effects of cold drinks. But do you know you can replace these harmful cold drinks with a couple of freshening summer drinks that not only are beneficial for your health but also help you rejuvenate and keep you hydrated? Resorting to these healthy drinks is not only quintessential to slake your thirst in the hot summer season but also the need of the hour in terms of the disastrous upshot that cold drinks bring along with them.
Natural drinks such as sugarcane juice, coconut water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, iced tea, sugar-free cold coffee, lemonades, mango panna, buttermilk, green tea, sattu, thandai, aam ras, etc. are some of the drinks that not only bring relief from the scorching heat but also are jam-packed with flavor and health benefits.
Then, what do we do? Well, simply recourse to healthy and natural drinks and enjoy the sweltering summer too. Let us find out how these natural drinks are way better than cold drinks.
1. Upright for Hydration: Hydration is nothing but the introduction of additional fluid/water into the body. Hydration helps to reduce the deposition of toxic substances in the tissues of your body. When feeling thirsty it is far better to fall back on these natural drinks than take those toxic cold drinks. These natural drinks are good for your hydration because they are 89% water without sugar and caffeine. Cold drinks and other aerated drinks with added sugar, and caffeine can have potential negative health effects such as heart complications, insomnia, and anxiety, and thus, they are less ideal for hydration. We all know that water is the best liquid to keep hydrated. And if you add lemon and put a little bit of mint and black salt in it and make it into lemonade it can prove to be an elixir for your body. This is just one example. You can make so many natural drinks with water and can keep hydrated.
2. Easy on Digestion: Natural drinks are rich in fiber, which not only aids in digestion but also supports gut health. For example, fresh fruit juices contain fiber and antioxidants. These fruit and vegetable juices are easily digestible and help maintain a balanced body constitution. Having cold drinks can slow down the digestion process in your body. Our body needs additional energy to normalize its core temperature when you drink something cold, which can temporarily slow down digestion. Cold drinks can also narrow blood vessels, which can impair the absorption of nutrients during digestion leading to digestive problems like bloating, cramping, and constipation. Natural drinks on the other hand are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals which our body needs to maintain optimum health.
3. High Nutrient Value: The natural drinks are not only an extravaganza that tempts the taste buds but also offer a torrent of essential nutrients, making them cherished brews that bring a breather from the scorching heat while nourishing the body. These natural drinks are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Fiber, Calcium, Potassium, and some minerals. Lemonade is rich in Vitamin C, fruit juices are rich in vitamin C and fiber, vegetable drinks are rich in Vitamin A and minerals, carrot juice is rich in vitamin A, and pomegranate juice is rich in iron are just a few examples to quote.
4. Aromatically Refreshing: India has a rich tradition of wonderful summer drinks that are not only refreshing but also overflowing with flavors and health benefits. From fruity delights to aromatic spices, drinks such as jaljeera, mango panna, buttermilk, fruit punch, etc. not only satiate your taste buds but also are highly stimulating. These cold beverages offer as much sustenance and satisfaction in red-hot summers and are high on taste. Originating from different parts of India these drinks are traditional drinks renowned for their fresh nature and aromatic flavors. Some are sweet with natural sugar such as fruit juices, and sugarcane juices whereas some are savory, such as buttermilk, lassi, and chaach. These natural drinks come with an automatic health guarantee because they are natural and are not made with added preservatives and artificial colors. If you compare them with cold drinks, they are much better in taste and highly refreshing.
5. Low Calories/Sugar: Though drinking fruit juices daily is not advised for people with diabetes they can be taken in moderate amounts to meet the daily dietary intake of vitamins minerals and fiber in the body. These fruit juices are far better than cold drinks which have added sugar and calories. These natural drinks do not contain any carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, or starches unless it has added flavorings such as cold drinks. If you are tempted for a sugary drink and have a sweet tooth, coconut water can be a boon for your cravings which is fortified with some natural sugar and does not contain calories. Other natural drinks such as fruit juices and fresh limes with sugar-free sweeteners can be great replacements for cold drinks.
6. Rich Flavours: Lassi with variations like mango lassi, shrikhand lassi, jeera lassi; badam sharbat, sandalwood sharbat, and kesar sharbat; jal jeera, thandai, bel sharbat, sattu drink emerge as a beloved summer staple in India, cherished for their refreshing qualities and health benefits. You name a flavor and we have it in Indian drinks and cuisines. Besides flavoury, these drinks are also valued for their digestive properties, making them a preferred choice after meals to aid in digestion and promote overall well-being.
7. Natural not Synthetic: While cold drinks are made with a lot of preservatives and added flavor and sugar and are made not from natural resources such as fruits and vegetables, these natural drinks are made from 100% occurring natural resources such as fruits, vegetables, and flour (sattu drink). These natural drinks offer a luxurious sensory experience that captivates the appetite and transports drinkers to a parallel world of celebration and merriment. You feel full and have satiety after drinking these natural drinks. Cold drinks on the other hand are extremely hazardous which not only make you feel not full but hungry for more which unnecessarily adds empty calories to your daily nutrient value intake.
8. High on Taste: Lemonade- tangy, fresh fruit juices – tangy and sweet and savory, lassi made from yogurt and tasting awesome; you can opt for your favorite taste any summer and can have a rich experience with an assortment of natural drinks available in plenty in the sub-continent and everywhere in the world. A cherry on the cake is the combination of fragrant spices and cooling ingredients not only refreshes the body but also rejuvenates the spirit, offering a moment of respite from the heat. The natural taste and not added flavors are what these natural drinks offer. These added flavors can be detrimental to your health. Thus, the choice is wide open for you to choose.
9. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that shield the human body cells from the impairment instigated by free radicals. Free radicals are nothing but uneven molecules made by the process of oxidation during regular metabolism in the human body. Free radicals may cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. These natural drinks are high in antioxidants and protect our bodies from free radicals. Antioxidants are found in many foods, including fruits and vegetables. They are also available as dietary supplements. Natural drinks made from fruits and vegetables can prove to be a real protector from harmful free radicals. When feeling thirsty and dehydrated go in for these fresh fruit and vegetable juices and soups. These are far better off than cold drinks. Green tea is known to be the best antioxidant which you can drink cold or hot.
10. Weight Watchers: According to one study, drinking one extra serving of cold drink per day can lead to a weight gain of 0.10 kg per year. These natural drinks not only flush out toxins but also improve your metabolism. Drink a lot of green tea, lemon water, ginger tea, and apple cider vinegar water, which may boost your metabolism and flush out toxins. These drinks not only can cool the body during the boiling summer months but a combination of spices in them lends a unique depth of flavor and aid in digestion, making them a popular choice for you to lose weight fast. Besides these natural drinks act as potent drinks filled with antioxidants, capturing the essence of health and liveliness in every sip.
Conclusion
In the sizzling heat of Indian summers, staying hydrated is indispensable, and what better way to do so than pampering yourself with these refreshing and revitalizing Indian summer drinks? From the tangy kick of lemonade to the creamy goodness of thandai, each cold beverage offers a unique flavor profile that is sure to torment your taste buds while keeping you unruffled and energized throughout the season. Thus, beat the heat and tang the flavors of summer with these pleasant Indian natural drinks.
Cheers to natural drinks and their nutritional value that keep you hydrated and cool through the summer!
Drink to your health, and raise a toast to natural drinks!
