Summer brings warmth and joy to most people especially to those on the Northern Hemisphere although tropical inhabitants would deem it as nothing but ordinary. Summer allows many to enjoy the outdoors with more opportunities for physical activity and sweating, taking advantage of the sun’s rays for free vitamin D, more chances of fresh air, sun tans and overall feel-good impression. But, there are times that the heat of summer can be overpowering too thereby bringing about a feeling of being drained, bouts of dehydration and a total heavy feeling.

Dehydration is not good for the body but summer time encourages us to increase our fluid intake.  Once this is done appropriately, increasing fluid intake cannot just hydrate us but also give out other potential health benefits. Cold water drinks mixed with a variety of fruits and vegetables are approved means of rehydrating oneself during summer. Essentially, fresh fruit juices and various forms of liquid delights are summer’s way of relieving the uncomfortable feeling during this period of the year.

Below are cool and refreshing liquid treats you can try this summer to quench that thirst.

1. Cold Water with Lemon

   Among the words that can aptly describe a lemon is that it may be small but it sure does freshen one up and to think that it is not that expensive. It is loaded with health benefits and it gives off a refreshing effect especially during warm seasons. Lemons contain essential vitamins and minerals such as Riboflavin, Vitamin C and B, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorous and ample amounts of carbohydrates and protein.

   Lemonade is one of the classic alternatives to help beat the heat and refresh you during summer time. A mixture of 1 cup of sugar, a cup of lemon juice and 3 to 4 cups of cold water can go a long way to beat the summer heat. First, create simple syrup by heating up the sugar and a cup of water in a saucepan until all the sugar is melted. Add the syrup and the lemon juice in a pitcher full with cold water and it’s ready to go.

2. Iced Green Tea

   Studies have been done regarding the health benefits of green tea and indeed it turned out that it helps prevent the onset or the worsening of various diseases. Conditions related to the heart, cancer and strokes are examples of such diseases that can be prevented with the regular consumption of green tea in any form, mainly because of its antioxidant property.

   During summer, iced green tea also offers refreshment, hydration and a more healthy and natural way of coping with the intensity of the summer sun. To enjoy this luscious treat, combine 1 gallon of water with 6 green tea bags, let it set in the sun for about 3 hours. To add some zest, one can add a piece of sliced orange and lemon, leave it in the sun again for about 2 hours. After which, it is ready to be served. If desired you can also add honey to sweeten it up a bit.

3. Iced Coffee

   Individuals who are fond of coffee would be glad to know that it too can be enjoyed even on warm weather – go for iced coffee. Coffee has antioxidant properties too that is viewed today as one way of warding off many free radical components that could create harm to the body thus the iced coffee that we like so much doesn’t just quench our thirst but also provides healthy effects to our body. It is important to remember though that it should be taken minimally since coffee in large amounts can dehydrate the cell that would only double the thirst that you are experiencing.

   To make your own desired mixture of iced coffee treat just brew the regular coffee the same way you always do, but double the amount. Why? To double the intensity. Utilize a filter brew method to diminish the sediments thus delivering that fulgurous iced coffee then garnish it with organic milk and skip the sugar for a more healthy approach.

4. Fruit Spritzer

   One luscious way of also enjoying the summer is to fuel and hydrate the body with various fruit spritzers that you can easily mix up depending on your taste buds. It is refreshing, healthy and delectable at the same time, talk about heaven in your mouth. A spritzer is usually comprised of chilled white wine or club soda with fruit syrup.

   It can be made from different kinds of fruits (whatever you fancy), combine it then with 1 cup of water and ½ cup of sugar. It is a plus if honey is used compared with sugar, because the former holds more nutritious benefits too. First create the simple syrup by heating the water and the sugar in the saucepan under medium heat and bring to simmer. Continuously stir and dissolve the sugar removed from the heat then let it cool down. Puree the fruit of choice, with lemon juice and salt plus the cooled syrup in the blender and then strain it afterwards to obtain the juice. Put the juice in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes then serve in a tall glass with 1/3 to ½ cup of syrup. Then finish the recipe with sparkling water or club soda or some white wine, then serve immediately.

5. Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies

   There is an ongoing issue that not all individuals are getting their enough dose of fruits and vegetables intake in their diet. Luckily, during summer time, smoothies made from organic fruits and vegetables are quite in demand as a healthy, thirst quenching remedy for the summer sun. Children don’t always like their set of vegetables and so mothers can still provide nutrients coming from vegetables by sneaking some of it to the regular the smoothie of choice of your kids. Adults too flash happy comforting smiles after they have consumed their smoothies. The nutritious smoothie drinks are making a big hype nowadays because of its beneficial impact health wise.

   The preparation for fruit and vegetable smoothie is easy breezy – all you need to have are the ingredients and a blender, and then you are equipped and ready to make your favourite smoothie. It is important to note that it is preferable to use fresh organic fruits and vegetables you can find in the local market. If however you can’t find anything organic, as long as it is fresh that should do fine. Wash them carefully. In some fruits, peeling is not that necessary because usually it is in the peel that potent nutrients are present. If the fruit is with seeds, deseeding is deemed appropriate. Slice the fruits appropriately so as not to overwork the blender. Add ice chunks, milk, and yogurt to the fruits or vegetables in the blender, carefully choosing low carbohydrate, fat free and sugar free ingredients to make the smoothie even healthier. Blend them up together until desired consistency is met. Pour in a glass and start enjoying your day with fresh fruit or vegetable smoothies.

Sources
medimanage.com
southshoremamas.com
foodrepublic.com
crazysexylife.com
thedabble.com
alexandriaruthk.hubpages.com