Drink Natural this Summer

This summer, ditch the soda can for a change! Get something, natural and appetizing. Read on…

Coconut water: Coconut water is probably the best drink you can have on a hot sunny day. Completely natural and devoid of any artificial colorings, flavor and preservatives, it can cool you down instantly. Low in fat, it is the best choice for the diet-conscious, and helps maintain the body's natural fluid balance.

Fruit smoothies: The ice-cream vendor on the street may tempt you to grab a cone, but resist. Instead, opt for a fresh fruit smoothie. Blend your favorite fruits-mangoes, strawberries, bananas or anything you like, with a cup of fresh yogurt or a glass of low fat milk. Add some ice and blend-natural goodness right there!

Extreme summer temperature shifts not far away
In the next 60 years many parts of the world including Europe, North America and China could see extreme summer temperature shifts.

The best thing about having a fruit smoothie is that you'll get an extra boost!

Buttermilk: Dairy products always give you a good supply of calcium, which is why it is essential to include them in your diet. And when it comes to summer, there's no easier way to beat the heat than gulping down a glass of freshly prepared buttermilk. It cools down your stomach, and also boosts your digestive power.

Kokum juice: Easily available, kokum is an excellent replacement to your can of soda this summer. Kokum juice is especially recommended for those who can’t bear the sun, and it efficiently prevents dehydration, cleanses the blood and stimulates your appetite.

Bael- The ultimate medicinal summer fruit
The bael is an important aromatic medicinal tree of Indian origin. Despite the goodness it packs in itself, due to the lack of knowledge, the fruit and leaves are highly underutilized.

Watermelon juice: Fruit juices, particularly watermelon juice, are great, when it comes to summer drinks. It is advisable to take the entire fruit home rather than getting it cut from the roadside stall as you buy it, as the vendor might not look carefully into hygiene. An excellent source of antioxidants, vitamin A and low in calories, watermelon juice will help you keep up your liquid content, and prevent you from getting dehydrated. It also improves skin tone.

Lime juice: Lime juice is fresh, natural and a much healthier alternative to the bottle of coke, which you crave on a hot, sunny day. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, and when you use honey as an alternative to sugar, to sweeten your drink, it's even better. The honey-lemon combo is excellent for the detoxification of your body.

Kids need fluid during summer to avoid dehydration, heat stroke
As spring turns to summer, young athletes carry higher risk than adults for dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Fresh fruit juices: Fresh, raw fruit juices are literally oozing with the goodness of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They also have a good fiber content, which keep you full, and aid proper digestion. Blend together your favorite fruits, and add a pinch of crushed black pepper for a tangy twist.

Source-Medindia