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The Indian summer has arrived. In this scorching heat, it is essential to keep our body hydrated. Pure water is the best for recharging our system but a little flavour can always be refreshing. Unfortunately, the fluids we take during summer are packed with calories, which is not good for our health. It is time for us to make the correct choices.

Coconut water

Coconut water is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Tasty and refreshing, it boosts our immune system. Due to its electrolyte composition, it rehydrates the body and elevates the energy level. It also checks the blood pressure and offers cardio protective benefits. It helps to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Wood apple

Wood apple is crammed with nutrients, vitamins, and organic compounds, including tannins, calcium, phosphorous, fibre, protein, and iron. Summer is often synonymous with diarrhoea and dysentery. Wood apple juice is great for digestion. It strengthens our guts and acts as an excellent remedy for chronic dysentery. It can work wonders for people with peptic ulcer or piles as it contains tannin, which controls inflammation. Wood apple contains thiamine and riboflavin, which cures liver and kidney problems.

Iced tea

The Harvard School of Public Health lists tea as the second best source of hydration after water. From giving comfort to a stressed mind to chilling the nerves and fighting cancer, iced tea is a healthy drink for summer.

Fresh juice

Fresh juice is extremely rich in nutrients that strengthen and stimulate the body. Cokes and ice-creams should be replaced by fresh juice. Buying a juicer and juicing at home is the easiest and economical option today. Try juicing greens such as kale, with cucumber, parsley, ginger, lemon, and green apple for sweetness. Water melon, pomegranate, and blue berries are also good options.

Lemon water

Lemons are packed with nutrients including vitamin C, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, and potassium and fights against several ailments associated with hot weather such as nausea, heartburn and dehydration, sun stroke and stomach disorders like bloating, constipation and gastronomical disorders.

Things to avoid during summer

1.   Forget soft drinks, quit flavoured milk and milkshakes.

2.   Banish bottled and powdered iced teas.

3.   Avoid sports drink and energy drinks and replace it with the juice of green, fresh and organic veggies like spinach, parsley, and celery.

4.   Say no to soda. Most sodas contain
high amounts of sugar with
additional artificial
sweeteners.

 5.  Avoid alcohol.

Rahul Arora, a Kolkata-based chef, provide suggestions
to beat the heat

1.   Have natural stuff like tender coconut water, bael (wood apple), and raw mango. Add some barley and some rock salt to your shikanji. A lot of cucumber is also a good idea.

2.   One should consume yogurt.

3.   If one is making the juice at home, the addition of chia seeds is a good option to add value to the beverage.

4.   Eat lots of coolants like cucumber, lemon, mint, coriander, and kokum.

5.         Avoid any chemical or preservative based drinks. Iced green tea or black coffee are good options.