Summers are here and one of the major health challenges faced by most of us is dehydration. Excessive heat can result in the body losing more fluids at a very fast pace. If bodily fluids are not replenished, then dehydration sets in, which can result in fatigue, dizziness, headache and weakening in bodily functions and processes.
Well, it is quintessential to keep yourself hydrated not only to quench thirst but to ensure that you stay active and energised all through the day. We all know that drinking water is the best way to keep dehydration at bay, while there are a whole lot of seasonal and natural veggies, fruits, and dairy products available that are also an impressive source of fluids to restore the water balance. Many healthy beverages are delicious and serve as an amazing alternative to water while meeting your hydration needs too. Additionally, these hydrating drinks deliver a pile of electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, and probiotics which are beneficial to optimise overall health and well-being.
Also Read: Summer Veggies: 5 Hydrating Foods To Beat The Heat -Infographic
Benefits of Drinking Water
Improves Physical Performance
Studies reveal that losing as little as 2% of the body's fluid content can significantly impede your physical performance. Optimal hydrations avert this and also lowers oxidative stress that develops during high-intensity workouts.
Boosts Energy levels
Even mild dehydration can impair energy levels, and mood and lead to loss of memory and brain function. Thus, replenishing the system with adequate water supports to boost brain function and energy levels.
Prevents Headaches
Dehydration can trigger headaches in most people. One of the simplest remedies is to drink plenty of water to ease headaches and related symptoms.
Remedies Constipation
Increasing fluid intake is suggested as a vital part of the treatment protocol. Improving hydration may help prevent and relieve constipation.
Promotes Weight Loss
Drinking plenty of fluids can support you to shed surplus kilos, as it increases satiety and boosts metabolism.
Summers call for extra hydration and nourishment of cells as our body tends to lose water at a faster pace due to excessive sweating in the sweltering heat. While nothing can beat water for quenching thirst and regulating electrolyte balance, you can also try other homemade summery beverages that not only gratify your thirst but also keep your body cool and help in retaining the lost nutrients due to dehydration.
These three natural body coolants are sure to beat the heat and keep you energized during the summer months.
Homemade Beverages To Instantly Cool Down The Body
Chilled Buttermilk
This age-old homemade drink is a hot favourite of most people owing to its refreshing taste and wellness incentives. Buttermilk is the diluted residue of the curd that is left behind after the milk cream is churned into butter. Replete with vitamins, protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, and traces of phosphorus, the yummy buttermilk not only prevents dehydration and bolsters energy but also promotes digestion, augments the health of teeth and bones and enhances overall metabolism.
Tender Coconut Water
Tender coconut water is the clear, delicious liquid obtained from young coconuts that have a jelly-like, fleshy endosperm. This water, often deemed as the 'fluid of life', is abundant in essential minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C, making it one of the best revitalizing, cooling drinks that help replenish the lost nutrients due to heat and sweat. Apart from maintaining electrolyte balance and impeding dehydration in the scorching summers, it also regulates blood pressure and cholesterol, soothes tummy troubles, relieves mind and body stress, promotes heart functions, and prevents kidney stones.
Aam Panna
While there is no dearth of homestyle methods to create fruit smoothies and other powder mixture coolers, Aam Panna (raw mango juice) literally tops the charts owing to its lip-smacking sweet-tangy taste. This refreshing beverage is made from boiled raw mango juice with a hint of salt, sugar, mint and cumin powder. Imbued with vitamins A, B1, B2 and C and minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and calcium, the humble Aam Panna is an ideal drink to cool body heat and remedy dehydration in the hot summer months. Additionally, it also boosts digestion, regulates diabetes, improves immunity, augments eye health and even reduces the incidence of cancer.
Well, beat dehydration and stay refreshed and energised all through this season by consuming plenty of natural and wholesome drinks. Foray this infographic for more details.