When the mercury starts rising, staying hydrated is one of the important ways to beat the sweltering heat and maintain good health. The best summer drinks also help in maintaining the body’s energy levels.
Instead of colas, people should have the following beverages to replenish their body during the summer months, says Gunita Kaur, a dietitian and nutritionist from Amritsar, Punjab:
• Barley water
Barley water is an energy booster for the body and has high fiber content. It helps to control cholesterol and balance gut bacteria, according to Kaur. Barley water is also useful in case of urine infections. Plus, the ferulic acid in it is believed to prevent the growth of cancer and tumor-causing cells.
• Kanji
Kanji is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium. It is also an immunity booster and helps to prevent constipation.
• Chhaas
Chhaas (buttermilk) is a curd-based drink popular in villages. Cucumber and chia seeds, mint leaves and coriander can be added to give flavour to it. Adding jeera (cumin) powder increases the drink’s soothing effect. Jeera helps to maintain blood pressure and prevent summer strokes.
• Coconut crush
Kaur recommends adding chia seeds to coconut crush or coconut water since they are a rich source of calcium. Coconut crush or coconut water has no added sugar and helps to flush out toxins. The drink also has phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, which makes it an energy booster. Canned coconut drinks, however, are a strict no-no.
• Amla-beetroot juice
Adding carrot makes amla-beetroot juice rich in antioxidants. Being anti-inflammatory, amla (Indian gooseberry) and beetroot promote good gut health and keep the liver healthy. Amla even protects from cold and flu in the summer.
• Bottle gourd smoothie
If you do not feel like eating because of the heat, it is a good idea to have a bottle gourd smoothie, which will also meet the body’s nutrient requirements. Kaur recommends adding chilled water, lemon juice, cucumber and black salt to the drink.
But some caution is also needed when consuming bottle gourd.
Dr Himanshu Yadav, a surgical gastroenterologist at Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, highlights the potential dangers associated with bitter bottle gourd. Bitterness in bottle gourd indicates the presence of toxic tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds called cucurbitacins. These can cause abdominal pain, vomiting (sometimes with blood), diarrhoea (which may also contain blood) and even lead to low blood pressure and shock.
Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the bottle gourd used in the smoothie is not bitter. Checking the taste before making the drink can help avoid any potential complications. Seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, adds Dr Yadav.
Takeaways
It is beneficial to have traditional drinks such as kanji, chhaas and amla-beetroot juice in the summer. They have a soothing effect and are good for gut health. Some of them even provide as much satiation and energy as a full meal.
