While water remains one of the best ways to stay hydrated, adding a combination of fruits, vegetables and other healthy ingredients to the liquid sure does a lot more wonders for your body.
This summer, don’t just stay hydrated; stay healthy!
1. Cucumber-Mint Detox Water
Cucumber and mint have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce bloating. The lemon gives you a necessary shot of Vitamin C and soothes you from within.
How To:
Add half a cucumber (sliced), two lemons, and approximately 10-12 mint leaves to 3 litres of water. Store it in the fridge overnight and drink it the next morning.
For best results: Consume every morning for around 3-4 weeks.
Best suited for: Bloating and skin problems.
2. Watermelon Detox Water
Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve liver function. Mint leaves help improve digestion and get rid of stomach cramps.
How To:
Add chunks of watermelon and a handful of mint leaves to a jar. Muddle them and fill the jar with water. Place it in the fridge and let it stay overnight. Drink it the next morning.
For best results: Consume for 2-3 weeks every day in the morning.
Best suited for: Kidney problem and diabetes.
3. Kiwi-Cucumber Detox
Kiwi is a superfood rich in vitamins A and E, as well as in antioxidants. It is a good source of fiber and thus helps prevent constipation. Cucumber helps prevent water retention.
How To:
Slice up two kiwis and cucumbers and place them in a glass jug. Add the desired amount of water and refrigerate overnight.
For best results: Consume every morning for around 3-4 weeks.
Best suited for: Bowel movements.
4. Ginger-Mint Water
Ginger can help in killing, or shrinking, cancer cells. It also helps relieve pain caused by migraine headaches, heartburn, menstrual cramps and joint pains.
How To:
Add some water to the crushed ginger, lemon juice and mint combination in a large pitcher. Let it steep for an hour before serving with ice.
For best results: Have a glass every day in the morning.
Best suited for: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
5. Apple-Cinnamon Detox Water
Apples are a rich source of iron while cinnamon is known to enhance metabolism and improve the functioning of brain cells.
How To:
Add apples and cinnamon sticks to simmering water and heat through for 15 minutes. Refrigerate the mixture overnight, after letting it cool. Enjoy it the next day.
For best results: Drink one glass every morning before meals and keep sipping it at regular intervals throughout the day for about a week.
Best suited for: Loss of appetite, anemia and diabetes.
6. Detox Green Tea
Green tea is a superfood loaded with antioxidants and minerals. It boosts immunity and promotes weight loss.
How To:
Chill some green tea in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Then, add cucumber, lemon, strawberries and honey to it. And sip away.
For best results: Restrict its consumption to a maximum of 2 glasses per day and drink it for around 4-6 weeks in between meals.
Best suited for: For weight loss, detoxifying and stamina.
7. Aloe Vera Drink
Aloe vera has laxative properties that improves digestion, reduces inflammation and keeps the heart healthy.
How to make:
Slice up a leaf of aloe vera and scoop out the pulp. Mix it with equal amounts of lemon and one cup of water in a blender.
For best results: Drink this early in the morning before eating anything else. Do this regularly, for 2-3 weeks.
Best suited for: Indigestion, skin breakouts and heart problems.
8. Coconut Water with Lemon and Mint
Coconut water is a good source of fiber, vitamin C and several other important minerals that decrease the risk of blood clots.
How To:
Add lemon juice and mint leaves to a jar of coconut water and stir well. Refrigerate it for a few hours and your drink is ready.
For best results: Enjoy it during the day or at night. Although, drinking this on an empty stomach yields the best results.
Best suited for: Upset stomach, bladder and blood pressure issues.
9. Ginger-Litchi Lemonade
Litchis help in the formation of blood cells, reducing sunburns and increasing hair growth.
How To:
Add some minced ginger, lemon juice and litchi juice to a jar and blend it well. Garnish it with some mint leaves and consume chilled.
For best results: Have it, as much as you’d like, during the day,
Best suited for: Hair loss, sunburn and iron, or blood deficiency.
10. Aam Panna
Mangoes contain high levels of potassium and calcium which keep your teeth and bones healthy and help you beat the heat.
How To:
Add mango pulp, cumin powder, mint and salt in a pitcher and blend the ingredients well. Add some water to this and serve it with ice.
For best results: It’s the perfect everyday summer drink right before you head out into the heat.
Best suited for: Oral care and calcium deficiency.
11. Orange-Carrot and Ginger Detox
Carrots contain beta carotene which helps flush the liver of toxins and ginger improves blood circulation. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and boost immunity.
How To:
Process 3 carrots, 2 peeled oranges, 2 tsp grated ginger and a pinch of freshly ground turmeric together through a juicer. Pour into glasses filled with ice and serve.
For best results: Consume twice a day for about 3-4 weeks.
Best suited for: Liver problem and immune deficiency.
12. Buttermilk Detox Drink
Buttermilk has a cooling effect on our digestive system. It is rich in calcium, riboflavin and vitamins B Complex and D.
How To:
Mix a few mint and coriander leaves with buttermilk in a jar. Add a pinch of salt, some cumin powder and stir well.
For best results: You can have it anytime of the day. It has no side effects.
Best suited for: Gastrointestinal problems and infections, lactose intolerance, colon cancer, bone density, acidity and bacterial infections.