Stay cool this summer

You can keep your body cool as the summer heats up with these easy to make all natural drinks.

Getting enough water?

During summer our body tends to lose more water and we need to replenish what we lose. The heat draws moisture from the body which evaporates without our realization. When we perspire we are also losing sodium from the body. This is why some people experience potentially fatal heat stroke in the summer months.

Salt versus sugar

In India, the summer drinks include salt and not sugar. During summer months the excess sugar is heat producing and causes skin problems such as acne and boils. So, whether it is a fruit drink, a vegetable drink or an herb drink added salt is the norm and not sugar.

So, my recipes are sugar free but with a little salt.

This brings us to the issue of what kind of salt? The processed white salt with added iodine should never be taken. We get enough iodine from fruits and vegetables and dairy. Excess iodine leads to thyroid problems. The natural rock salt has trace elements of many minerals, and adds nutrition and balance to the summer drink.

Absorbing a necessary vitamin

Summer is also beach time. We expose our body to the sun much more during this season. This is the time we gather and store much needed Vitamin D3 from the sun. Lack of D3 could lead to osteoporosis. For D3 to be absorbed during beach time one must also drink cooling sodium rich drinks, or salty drinks. The Vitamin D3 sulfate from sun is water soluble. The liquids you consume help D3 to enter and travel through the blood, replenishing and strengthening your bones.

So here are the top 7 favorite healthy summer drinks to cool off with (in no particular order)

Drink #1 – Coconut water with natural electrolytes

Coconut Water: Fresh coconut water has natural electrolytes that perks one up and rejuvenates the body. Electrolytes are salt ions that conduct electricity, which in turn helps the balance of fluids in the body, maintaining hydration. So, drinking coconut water during summer is a life saver.

Drink #2 – Iced buttermilk chaas with a pinch of salt

Iced Buttermilk Chaas : On a hot summer day, when relatives or friends would visit, we offer them thin buttermilk drink with a pinch of salt. It is a delight to watch their faces perk up like the withering flowers coming alive upon receiving water. It so cheers up everyone. It is so cooling and rejuvenating. Refrain from  using  store bought  buttermilk which is thick with additives. Take natural plain yogurt, add water and make your own buttermilk that is thin. For 1/2 a cup of yogurt add 1 cup of water. Add ginger, curry leaves, asafetida and salt. Liquify in a blender.

Drink #3 – Lemon and lime cooler with herbs

Lemon/Lime Cooler: This is a universal summer drink. Have you ever tried a salty lemon/lime drink, (besides margaritas)?? A lemon/lime cooler with salt and herbs is marvelous. You might find yourself disinclined to revert back to sugary lime drinks after this. Add a few chopped coriander leaves. If you prefer it sweetened, then opt for honey with a pinch of rock salt that make up this divine drink.

Drink #4 – An alkalizing lemongrass lime-aide

Lemongrass Limeade: Take a large jar, add crushed lemongrass and chopped  lime or lemon. Add 1/4 teaspoon rock salt, some ice, stir for a cooling alkaline drink for the day. This balances the doshas and helps with proper digestion.

Drink #5 – A delightful and purifying cucumber drink

Cucumber Elixir: A great summer drink, so cooling and rejuvenating. Blend cucumber with added water, ice and salt. It is a diuretic and blood purifier. It will also help you lose weight.

Drink #6 – Aloe-licious aloe vera immune booster

Aloelicious: Aloe is an immune booster, and a great beach drink. Aloe stimulates the production of melanin which protects the skin from sun radiation. Take fresh aloe, mix it with yogurt and make a drink with a small amount of rock salt. Add a little mint to give it a gourmet taste. You will feel refreshed and perked up. You can also apply fresh aloe on your skin.

Drink #7 – Rejuvenating twist of the tomato

Tomato Twister: Tomato juice with salt, pepper, turmeric and chopped coriander is a heavenly twist to this drink. The farm markets are selling tomatoes by the basket. It is a rejuvenating drink, a blood purifier and protector of the good cells of your body.

Enjoy your summer!

Summer is here! Hot days are here! Time to satiate with healthy, cooling drinks!