Summertime is here, so are you planning for a picnic? But worried about the scorching heat that’s gonna probably roast you in the outdoors. You could have the outdoor fun and also keep yourself safe from the heat. What you exactly need is something refreshing to beat the scorching heat.
Do you know how high heat affects our body?
As the mercury creeps up over the summers, one finds it hard to do anything else than curling up inside an air-conditioned room. We generally tend to walk slower, eat less and sleep more. Isn't it? The heat is certainly not comfortable. Some people cannot tolerate extreme heat conditions. High heat causes heat-induced illnesses such as exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke, etc. Increased body temperatures cause heavy sweating, tiredness, dehydration, headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps and a weak pulse. Our body burns via hydration much quicker in hot weather, so we need to drink healthy beverages to keep our body cool. The best way to reduce heat stress is to steadily replenish the water that you lose in the form of sweat.
What does Ayurveda say about Summer?
Ayurveda defines the qualities of summer as hot, sharp and penetrating; which leads to the overheating of our Pitta Dosha when the temperature rises. Pitta Dosha is the energy that controls metabolism and Pitta related imbalances are sunburns, hot flashes, exhaustion, acne, acidity and diarrhoea. In summers, our digestive fire is weaker because as the heat increases, our body turns off its thermostat. So, overeating can lead to indigestion or you could feel bloated. If the food you eat doesn’t get digested properly, then it can lead to the formation of ‘ama’ (indigested matter), which can cause diseases.
Ayurvedic Tips to Beat the Summer:
Ayurveda suggests eating “Cold Foods” during the summers that provide nourishment, strength and have a refreshing effect on the body. Eat cooling foods such as green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, coconut, cucumber, cantaloupe, watermelon, kiwi, apricots, dairy products (yoghurt, milk), and ghee. Keep sipping water to stay hydrated. Eat lighter meals & enhance your digestive power including spices like ginger, cumin, black pepper, and also consume enough salt to replace the salts that you lose.
What should you drink to keep your body healthy and cool?
It is vital to keep our body cool and stay healthy. One can’t keep drinking plain water all the time, instead, why not opt for a nutritious and refreshing drink made from seasonal fruits? They are easy to prepare and healthy.
Here’s a list of natural, healthy drinks that will help you beat the heatwave.
1. Coconut water
A natural coolant and is refreshing. It has all the essential nutrients that help in reducing body heat. It is most effective in re-hydrating our body during hot weather conditions.
2. Pomegranate /Anaar
Pomegranate is hailed as a ‘Divine fruit’ as it is rich in nutrients and has several health benefits. It aids in digestion, boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure and has antioxidant properties. Pomegranate increases our appetite and makes us feel less thirsty. It is extremely useful in summers. Try out this Amrutam’s Ayurvedic power-packed Anaar Sharbat.
3. Mango / Kacha Aam
Mango, the king of fruits, is everybody’s favourite and most awaited fruit, which people relish during summers in the form of juice, milkshakes, lassi and sharbats. Mango makes a perfect drink in a hot, sunny day as it enhances immunity, controls blood pressure prevents anaemia and has many other benefits. Aam Panna is a popular drink made with mint and mangoes, which is beneficial against heat stroke. Try out refreshing Amrutam’s Ayurvedic Kacha Aam Sharbat.
4. Amla
Bitter is better! The alkaline nature of Amla helps in clearing the system and also strengthens the digestive system. It is rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorous; making it a complete national drink. Try out Amrutam’s Ayurvedic Amla Sharbat.
5. Buttermilk
It has a cooling effect on our body that instantly refreshes us on a hot day. You can add a few spices like ginger, jeera, pepper to make Chaas (Spiced buttermilk). It's also good for digestion.
6. Kokum Juice
It helps in preventing dehydration; improves digestion, appetite and cardiovascular health. Kokum juice purifies blood and also fights against infections.
7. Badam Drink
It’s a nutritious, healthy summer drink that can be easily made at home and best for summers.
8. Rose
This is again a hit amongst kids and adults equally. Rose milk, milkshakes, ice-creams and sharbats are loved by all. It is one of the things that hydrate you quickly.
9. Sugar cane Juice
This is yet another loved drink by all, which gives instant energy and also helps in fighting against infections. It is good for instant hydration, prevents heatstroke and packed with glucose, antioxidants, potassium, calcium & magnesium.
10. Lemonade
Lemon juice promotes digestion, boosts energy level, strengthens the immune system, and detoxifies the body. Lemonade is a Vitamin C enriched drink that keeps you hydrated, nourishes and energizes all at the same time. It is an ideal summer drink that’s essential to stay healthy.
11. Watermelon juice
Watermelon is 90% water which is a juicy treat for you in summers. You may consume just as a fruit or as a juice. It has a lot of health benefits.
Well, isn’t these summer drinks great that are healthy and beneficial for your body, so you can keep sipping them throughout the summer?
