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As temperatures rise during sunny days, staying hydrated becomes crucial for maintaining energy levels, preventing heat-related illnesses, and keeping the body cool. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even heatstroke. While drinking water is one of the most effective and best ways to stay hydrated, incorporating cooling drinks for summer along with hydrating foods into your diet can amplify hydration and provide essential nutrients.
Best cooling drinks for summer
The best way to keep hydrated is by adding the following drinks that offer cooling effects to the body, containing essential minerals and antioxidants, helping the body cope with high temperatures. Here are some interesting cooling drinks for summer and easy, healthy hydration tips, so save this right now!
Coconut water
With abundant properties of potassium, magnesium, and sodium, it is one of the best cooling drinks for summer. Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that helps restore lost minerals due to excessive sweating and prevents dehydration and muscle cramps. Unlike sugary sports drinks, this healthy, low-calorie water is free from artificial additives.
Aam panna
High in vitamin C and a natural coolant, aam panna is the best way to keep hydrated, especially for those exposed to extreme heat every day. This mouth-watering, traditional Indian summer drink is made from unripened mangoes, sugar, black salt, and spices like cumin and mint. From preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke, this drink helps maintain the body's electrolyte balance, as well. Raw mango juice can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and served chilled to enhance the taste and cooling benefits.
Buttermilk
Chaas or buttermilk is the most traditional drink in India and many Asian countries, as may be said. It is the liquid remaining after churning curd, which is one of the best probiotic-rich foods, low in calories and light on the stomach. Consuming it post lunch during summers with a hint of roasted cumin powder, a dash of salt and topped with fresh coriander leaves, will leave you wanting more. It aids bloating, acidity and counters body heat.
Sugarcane juice
Sugarcane juice contains numerous benefits that one can talk about. It is one of the finest cooling drinks for summer as it is so natural, easily available, tastes great and is very economical. One glass of sugarcane juice is enriched with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and high water content, it enhances energy and hydration levels instantly. From detoxifying the liver, improving digestion, and providing natural electrolytes with its sugar content it is one of the best ways to stay hydrated during summers. For best results, consume freshly extracted sugarcane juice with a dash of lemon and ginger to enhance its cooling properties.
Watermelon juice
The best fruit of summers–watermelons which consists of over 90 percent water, while providing essential vitamins such as A and Cmaking it one of the best hydrating fruits. Watermelon juice is one of the refreshing cooling drinks for summer that replenishes lost fluids with amazing taste. Blend fresh watermelon with a little lemon juice and mint for an extra cooling effect enhancing the skin and maintaining the body cool.
Cucumber & mint cooler
Cucumber is a high-water-content vegetable which is plentiful of water and easy available around. The duo of cucumber and mint, with lemon juice, and a spoonful of honey creates one of the excellent cooling drinks for summer that and prevents dehydration. Cucumber & mint cooler helps to body to detoxify, beneficial for maintaining skin hydration and cooling down the body after prolonged sun exposure.
Bael sherbet
Bael, or wood apple, is known for its cooling and digestive properties. The pulp of this fruit is mixed with water and jaggery to create a natural summer drink that prevents heatstroke and improves digestion. Consuming bael sherbet is the best way to keep hydrated yourself the whole day and is highly recommended for people prone to heat-related illnesses and digestive issues during summer.
Iced green tea
This freshly brewed chilled green tea is one of the ultimate cooling drinks for summer which is rich in antioxidants while keeping the body hydrated. Stay hydrated with the perfect low-calorie alternative to sugary soft drinks which helps in boosting metabolism. Put lots of ice cubes, with a dash of lemon or honey, in a glass and consume this refreshing yet healthy beverage.
Best ways to stay hydrated in summer
During these hot days, drinking water alone may not be sufficient to keep the body hydrated. Check out these healthy hydration tips to maintain optimal fluid balance and prevent dehydration:
- Drink water regularly: One of the prime summer hydration tips is to consume at least 3 to 3.5 liters of water daily. It is a necessity to increase the water intake after engaging in outdoor activities or strenuous exercises to compensate for sweat loss.
- Infused water: Adding lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries to water enhances its taste and provides additional nutrients. Infused water is a great alternative for those who find plain water unappealing.
- Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks: One of the basic healthy hydration tips during summer is to completely resist from soft drinks, energy drinks, and excessive coffee intake can lead to dehydration due to their diuretic effects. Herbal teas, coconut water, or fresh juices are the best ways to stay hydrated.
- Opt for electrolyte drinks: The best ways to stay hydrated after sweating excessively, or when deprived of electrolytes, are to consume lemonade with salt, or a homemade electrolyte drink to restore balance in the body.
Homemade electrolyte drink recipe
This simple electrolyte drink helps replenish lost minerals and keeps the body hydrated. One of the top and primal cooling drinks for summer is this homemade electrolyte drink a natural alternative to commercial sports drinks and which balances electrolytes and hydration.
Ingredients:
- 1 glass of water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Mix all ingredients in a glass of water, stir well until completely dissolved and voila your perfect frink is ready!