With mid March came the feeling of the sun hitting our
faces, drilling in the fact that summer is here and it is time to stay
hydrated. Not a minute outdoors goes by without us imagining a chilled cold
drink cooling down our throats. One great thing about summer is that along with
the scorching heat comes a number of seasonal fruits that make tasty and
healthy natural juices. Unfortunately, for many, busy lifestyles and tight
schedules have resulted in fresh juices and homemade beverages taking a
backseat to packaged drinks.
While most dieticians and doctors advise to avoid aerated
drinks, it is hard to resist the temptation of the chilled drink when you just
enter a store. However, it’s important to understand the health benefits of the
fruits and vegetables and try incorporating them into our diet this season.
People suffering from diabetes can consume barley water, jal jeera and aloe
vera juice.
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Dr Saraswati Sangnal, a dietician at Salgaocar Medical
Research Center, Chicalim feels that juices should not be made with added sugar
as fruits are already sweet. Natural juices are more preferred in the hot
temperature. Most fruit juices are already very sweet and diabetic patients
should avoid fruit juices. Instead they can opt for something more cooling like
buttermilk or cucumber juice. Other healthy juices can be carrot and beetroot
juice, lemon with mint, chilled lime water and watermelon juice. Homemade
juices are much healthier but there are a limited number of people who are
health conscious and would take the trouble of making them at home. Most prefer
relief from the heat by purchasing and consuming canned juice.”
Rather than simply quenching your thirst and keeping you
hydrated, summer coolers also make fun activities. Children when at home can
enjoy preparing some desserts include different types of jellies, custards and
puddings that are refreshing and healthy. Even desserts can be as refreshing as
fresh juices. Another quick fix for fruit juices is that juices can be prepared
at home and filled in ice trays. When required, a few cubes can be removed in a
glass, water can be added and a chilled juice is ready.
Luke Coutinho, a dietician, says, “Diabetic patients can
enjoy a glass of buttermilk as it contains masala chaat which is good for
diabetes, cardiovascular problems and even weight loss. Another drink is
cucumber and lemon juice which is of low calories. Lime water with honey or
jaggery is also cooling.”
He further mentions that fruits should not be made into
juices as it loses its fibre and should be consumed whole. “There is a reason
why fruits grow in different seasons. Fresh fruits like watermelon and mango
can be cut and eaten. For another interesting drink, soak Tulsi seeds also
known as ‘tup mirya’ or falooda seeds and add them to a glass of cold water
with lemon. Carrot, ginger and lemon with ice and chilled tomato with black
pepper also make a cooling drink.”
Besides juices, one can quench their thirst with tender
coconut water, kokum juice, falooda and sherbets. So there you go! While the
heat may be intolerable, it gives you a perfect excuse to indulge in some
delicious and of course, healthy drinks and chilled food items. Don’t forget to
keep your juices pulpy and drink plenty of water!
