Eat-n- Drink your way to a hydrated summer

New Delhi: With heat and sweat, summer brings some refreshing foods and drinks.

Be it the different variety of fresh fruits or the quintessential lassi, people in India are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying summer foods.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that the hot and humid season can also take a toll on your health if you are not careful.

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Among the host of ailments that can strike this time of the year is dehydration, a condition where water content in the body reduces to an alarming level. While the ailment is treatable, it is advisable to take precautions, especially during the heat wave.

Team SaleBhai shares a list of some summer foods and beverages to keep you hydrated:

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• Buttermilk - Another refreshing drink, buttermilk or chhachh is a popular beverage known for lowering body temperature during extremely hot weather, thus helping people keep cool. It is extremely effective in alleviating dehydration, and is one of few food sources rich in calcium without any fat content.
• Coconut water - Coconut water is extremely nutritious and refreshing, and is a popular summer drink in India, especially in the more tropical regions. The natural beverage is packed with electrolytes, essential minerals, and simple sugars, all necessary nutrients that can keep de hydration at bay during the hot months.
• Lemonade - It is impossible to think of a more refreshing drink than chilled lemonade to enjoy during the hot summer months. Commonly referred as nimbu pani in India, it is easy to make and contains vital nutrients such as vitamin A, C, E, and B6, iron, and riboflavin. Typically made with lime or lemon juice mixed with water and sugar/honey, it can also be bought online nowadays in the form of a ready-to-mix powder.
• Sattu - Native to the Indian subcontinent, sattu is a staple food in Bihar. It is typically made from a combination of ground grains such as Bengal gram or barley. As a drink, sattu is known to cool down the body during hot days, and is very nutritious. Furthermore, it is easy to digest and is rich in roughage, making it the ideal drink to have on a warm summer afternoon.
• Kokum - Kokum or Cocum is an Indian fruit known for its tangy taste, and is used to flavor certain dishes in west India and Goa and is used extensively in Assam. It is also rich in dietary fibre and vitamin C, and is low in calories, making it a great ingredient in any food preparation. Kokum can also be consumed in the form of a juice, which can help keep the body cool during summer. Many Ayurveda experts also agree that the kokum berry can treat various conditions like sores or rashes, helps prevent stomach infection, improves digestion, etc. It can also alleviate diarrhea and constipation, and heal stomach ulcers in no time.
• Green Tea - Green tea is considered one of the healthiest superfoods in the world. The unique beverage possesses several health benefits that can keep you fit throughout the summer. It is rich in antioxidants, reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases, improves metabolism, keeps the body hydrated, and boosts immunity.
• Blueberries - Another popular superfood, blueberries have been scientifically proven to prevent various serious diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The delicious summer berry is full of antioxidants, is high in fibre, and low in sugar. It is also rich in vitamin A, copper, zinc, and iron, all vital nutrients that can raise your haemoglobin level as well as oxygen, and thereby, increase your immunity.
• Apricots - Apricots are one of the most versatile fruits in the world. It can be eaten ripe, dried, as a juice, or even as a preservative. Commonly called khubaani in India, the fruit is widely available across the country. Apricot is rich in vitamins A and C, and iron. It also alleviates digestive problems, and reduces inflammation - all common ailments most people suffer from during the summer season. Apricots can also hydrate skin cells that can prevent you from suffering from dry skin or scalp.

As the temperatures continue to soar in India, it is advisable to eat and drink right to keep yourself hydrated and healthy this summer. (ANI)

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