Summers are peaking so it’s time to keep body and mind cool. Hydrate big time with plenty of fluids. But beware, there’s this dreaded calorie count to take care of too, more so with most tasty quenchers being sold to sugar. SHAlINI SAKSENA recommends drinks to keep you cool and trim
DRINK WATER: Water is the best hydrant for our body. Drink at least 8-12 glasses a day, or even more. Water is the answer to the heatstroke menace.
Doctor says: Water not only regulates body temperature but also flushes out toxins and relieves fatigue
SlUSH: Blended drinks made with real fruits and ice are naturally delicious summer treat.
Doctor says: Not only are they healthy and tasty but refreshing too and a good option over aerated drinks
lEMON & MINT: Fresh mint with a dash of lemon juice and lots of ice all whirled together in a blender is a quick and refreshing way to cool down.
Doctor says: A good drink for diabetics and BP patients since it has no sugar or salt
COlD COFFEE: Cold coffee has become quite popular with Indians now to do any explaining.
Doctor says: Due to the milk content, it is a good healthy drink when one is on the move. Just keep a watch on the amount of sugar being added.
SUGARCANE JUICE: Since it is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese, this highly therapeutic juice helps restore lost salt and water in the body and is also a magic wand for jaundice.
Doctor says: Need to take care of the juice hygiene. Diabetics keep away because it goes dizzy on sugar.
lEMONADE: Homemade lemonade is perfect to replenish the electrolytes. Sweetness can be adjusted to check on calories intake.
Doctor says: It is a good source of electrolytes since it has potassium, magnesium and calcium. Helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke
AAM PANNA: Made from raw mangoes and mint, this refreshing summer sip is low calorie and easily prepared at home.
Doctor says: Prevents heatstroke, excessive loss of sodium and zinc from the body due to sweating
RED WINE: Though people tend to shift to white wine in summers, the procathocyanidins and antioxidants in red wine are perfect for preventing premature ageing and skin cancer from UV rays. Red wine mixed with equal amounts of pomegranate juice with a chopped apple or orange added to it is a perfect mix for summers.
Doctor says: If slightly chilled, the wine is refreshing. Of course, one has to drink in moderation since alcohol is not good for healthv
GREEN TEA: Taking a chilled green tea drink regularly prevents sunburns. The catechin antioxidants protect the skin by absorbing UV light and preventing skin malignancies. A simple mix of mint and green tea is a perfect mixture to keep us cool.
Doctor says: It hydrates skin cells and keeps the calorie count low, not to mention it is a good blood pressure and cholesterol regulator
WATERMElON: Watermelon juice is prefect to keep your skin and health glowing. It is considered to be good since it has 95 per cent water content.
Doctor says: People who are watching their weight can also go for this juice. Add a dash of lemon and feel the difference on your.
ICED TEA: There are a lot of flavours available — lemon and peach being most common. They taste amazing and help hydrate the body.
Doctor says: As long as sugar is not a problem, iced tea is a good option.
TRADITIONAl INDIAN DRINKS: Drinks like Khus and Roohafza instant coolers and they come infused with certain herbs that keep the body cool.
Doctor says: Diabetics and weight watchers need to keep away. For rest, it is a wonder syrup that can be used in lassis, milkshakes and as water quenchers too.