Health

Homemade And Easy Summer Drinks With Recipes

During the summer, the heat soars very high, leaving everyone feeling tiring, sweaty, and thirsty. The most important factor during the summer season is to have proper hydration so that you can keep on going while maintaining good health. As there is excessive sweating during this season, your body loses water at a speedy pace. 

Even though water is the essential drink while quenching your thirst, you can try out a variety of summer beverages that replenishes and refreshes your body and satisfy your thirst at the same time. These drinks can cool down your body, and you are easily able to beat the summer heat.

We provide a list of easy summer drinks that refresh and replenish your body for the summer heat.

1. Buttermilk (Chaas)

Chaas or buttermilk is a remarkable drink based on highly popular curd. Buttermilk is a brilliant digestive, and adding spices like cumin only enhances the advantages of this drink. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain curd
• A bunch of coriander leaves
• Two green chilies, chopped
• Four curry leaves 
• 1 tsp black salt 
• Salt 

Method:

• Add all the ingredients together in the curd without adding water.
• Use a mixer, blend the mixture well.
• Put the juice into a container, add two cold cups of water, and then blend it well such that there are no chunks and refrigerate it at least for 20 minutes.
• Serve it with chaat masala and coriander on top.

2. Lemonade

Do not miss out on the most sought-after summer drink, lemonade, as it is a quick-to-make drink and is amazingly delicious. This beverage is usually prepared using mint leaves, sugar, salt, lemon, and water. However, you can liven it up by adding cumin, coriander powder, and black pepper. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp coriander powder 
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 cup soda water
• 6 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp black salt
• Ice cubes

Method:

• Put black pepper, coriander powder, black salt, cumin powder, sugar, and lemon juice in a glass.
• Pour the soda water into that glass.
• Stir it very well so that all the ingredients mix well together
• Top it with ice and serve chilled.

3. Watermelon juice

We all know that one of the most liked summer fruit is watermelon, and its juice is even better. The watermelon juice is very refreshing, and its hydrating characteristics help keep your body hydrated and refreshed. Here is a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 Watermelon
• 1 Lemon 
• Small piece of Ginger
• Few Mint leaves
• Sugar (if preferred)

Method:

• Scoop out the watermelon and extract the seeds from it and then add it to a blender. Then add the lemon juice, Ginger and Mint leaves, and sugar if you prefer, and then mix it.
• After blending the mixture, add 2 cups of chilled water and remix it till it is smooth and frothy.
• Pour the juice into a glass and serve it with some black pepper on top.

4. Barley water

This juice is an ancient remedy for good health, and it is the best for summers. You need pearl barley, salt, water, and a bit of honey and lemon to make this elixir. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup pearl barley
• A pinch of salt
• 4 cups of water
• A drizzle of honey
• One lemon rind

Method:

• The first thing is to add pearl barley and water to a saucepan and boil it.
• Add the salt and let the mixture cook on a low flame. You can mix up the grains a little using a spoon.
• Strain the juice into a glass and top with a drizzle of honey and lemon rind and let it be in the fridge for 30 minutes, and then serve it.

 5. Coconut water

One beverage that can make you happy instantly on a hot summer day is a glass of chilled coconut water. The fresh taste and mild sweetness make this the best drink for summer blues at bay and is also a significant electrolyte, so each time you feel drained and dehydrated, load your glass with some coconut water, and you will be instantly refreshed. Coconut is readily available in markets.

6. Sugarcane Juice

For a lot of problems, sugarcane juice is a natural solution. Sugarcane juice helps build up body fluids and plasma, allowing one to encounter dullness and dehydration, and it is also an energy drink. You can also add mint leaves and black salt to enhance the taste of your summer drink.

7. Sattu Juice (or Sattu Sharbat)

Sattu juice or sharbat is one of India’s particular juice, especially in Bihar, that keeps your body cool even on the hottest summer day. It is usually just made of sattu flour, water, and sugar. It is also fulfilling and refreshing at the same time. Here is the recipe for this refreshing drink:

Ingredients:

• 50 gm sattu flour
• 10 ml lemon juice
• 15 gm sugar
• 100 ml water
• 2-3 gm of cumin powder (roasted)
• 5-6 ice cubes

Method:

• Take a container and add water to it. Then add sattu flour, fresh lemon juice, and sugar to the container.
• To mix the ingredients properly, stir the mixture constantly.
• In a tall glass, pour the mixture till it reaches just slightly below the rim.
• Add two to three pieces of ice cubes to the juice to make the drink cool down.
• You can garnish the drink with a pinch of roasted cumin powder because it will enhance the taste of your sattu drink.

8. Jaljeera

The word ‘Jaljeera’ literally stands for ‘jal’ that is water, and ‘jeera’ that is cumin seeds, so this drink is made of water and cumin. The cumin seeds are put into the pan for few minutes for roasting purposes and made into a coarse powder, and then it is mix with water. 

The jaljeera solution is best for those dealing with digestion problems, mainly seen throughout the summer season. Gulp down a cool and refreshing glass of jaljeera, and you will be able to endure the unbearable summer heat. Here is the recipe of jaljeera:

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp mint leaves
• ¾ tsp ground cumin (roasted)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 125 gm tamarind pulp
• 50 gm fragment jaggery
• 4 tsp black salt
• 3-4 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger salt or gourmet flavor salt
• ½ tsp garam masala
• A pinch of chili powder
• ½ liter water

Method:

• Add all the above-given ingredients to the food mixer and blend it all.
• Chill the juice overnight and then strain it and chill it again.
• Top the drinks up with some boondis and then serve it.

What are the side effects of millets?

There are numerous millets’ benefits and that’s why Millet grain is gaining a lot of popularity amongst all the health and diet conscious people. The majority of the youngsters are also realizing the advantages of millets, the benefits of millets. But they do not know millets side effects? We assume not! Let’s get into the millets side effects and tips to avoid them.

Eating smart is the need of the hour.
Maintaining weight is the need of the hour.
Staying healthy is the need of the hour

There are many people out there who are just hoarding up this super grain without knowing its benefits or side-effects. However, that is not the right way to go about a millet diet plan for weight loss or just consuming millets in general. 

Here we shall study some millets side effects — how it benefits us and how the overdose can harm us? 

What are the benefits of consuming Millets?

• The planted seeds are ready in a brief timeframe of 70 – 120 days. 

• Effortlessly cultivated unlike rice and wheat that require numerous sources in terms of soil ripeness and water, millets can be effectively filled in dry locales with the least amount of sources. 

• It has a brilliant source of nutrition as compared to other cereals and grains.  

• It has an excellent cultivation framework and is cultivated throughout the year. Although it is sown during the monsoon season, it is cultivated throughout the year without any water harvest.

What are the different types of millets?

It is not known to many that millet is a collective name for several major and minor small grains. These are small grained cereals that are highly in demand owing to its benefits. Here are some names that come under millets in large. 

• Jawar
• Bajra
• Ragi 
• Foxtail millets
• Quinoa 
• Barnyard millets
• Little millets and
• Kodo millets

What are the side effects of millets?

Little do many know about millets side effects. So, here we go!

1. You cannot completely switch over to millets 

Completely switching your diet to millets is not a good idea. Although this cereal requires less water for cultivation, it cannot completely replace either rice or wheat. Also, you should never depend entirely on a particular cereal, whole wheat can be considered an exception.

You should always include varieties of grains in your diet depending on your health, in order to consume a balanced diet. 

2. Oxalates in millets 

Millets particularly pearl millet are high in oxalates. This can lead to kidney stones. The correct cooking technique should be followed to keep this issue away. Many cooking tutorials show the exact ways to cook the millets properly for consumption. 

3. Enzymes and Phytic Acid 

Millets contain certain catalyst inhibitors and phytic acid. Phytic acid goes about as a fastener that ties significant minerals and does not permit the body to assimilate the supplements and minerals. Phytic acids are considered as supplements. The correct cooking technique is an unquestionable requirement to beat this issue. 

4. Blockages

As millets are high in fiber, overutilization may prompt stomach hurt, swelling, and obstruction. Thus, creating blockages in your body system. Therefore, it is vital to consume the right quantity.

5. Goitrogens in millet 

Goitrogens are substances that stifle thyroid action and can prompt goiter. Also, goitrogens in millets block iodine assimilation which causes thyroid. Studies have shown that individuals who consume only millets as their staple diet, can suffer from either thyroid or kidney stones. Thus, to avoid such situations, it is highly recommended to include other grains as well in your daily diet. 

6. Deficiency of iodine 

Consuming millets daily and in large doses can lead to a deficiency of iodine. This is not healthy for your body or for your health. Deficiency of iodine leads to severe health issues like anxiety, enlarged glands, thyroid and kidney stones. Not many are aware of these millets side effects. 

Millets diet plan for weight loss 

The majority of the people who are becoming health conscious are lately learning about small grains like millets, their nutritional value, and health benefits. Since the health benefits, possessed by millets surpass a handful of millets side effects consuming millets daily but in limited quantities is a great source of nutrition. The introduction to a millet diet plan for weight loss will help you understand the benefits of millets in your diet.

Here is how you can incorporate millets into your healthy diet plan:

• Since millets help in better digestion, it is recommended to consume in small quantities on a daily basis. You can incorporate millets in your salad, which is considered one of the best ways to consume them.
• Millets are basically small grains that can be used as a roasted snack during tea time. You can simply roast a handful of millet grains and sprinkle some salt and pepper on it. There you go with your millet snacks!
• You can include millets in your breakfast by adding them to your sandwich spread along with other veggies. This sandwich will be light to eat and extremely full of healthy nutrients. 

Conclusion – 

Just like other healthy cereals, the balance should be maintained in the event of millets as well. Consuming them 3-4 times each week is protected to devour millets while millets like Ragi and Jowar can be consumed every day.

Overall, an adult should consume 30 – 40 grams of millets each day. See that the amount of millet you are consuming doesn’t surpass the recommended level. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated all along while burning-through millets as the fiber assimilate an excess of water from the body and can make your body dry from the inside.

Pranayama And Yoga To Beat The Heat This Summer:

Summers make us sluggish and fitness or working out take a back seat during summer. Maintaining a gyming and workout routine every day is just hard. For people who are interested in workouts, some Summer Workout Plan does the work. Nonetheless, yoga is a simple and effective way of keeping fit, I strongly recommend you give it a try. The following summer yoga and pranayama helps you keep your cool.

Seetkari Pranayama | Sheetali Pranayama | Cooling Summer Yoga:

Seetkari pranayama or sheetali pranayama induces a very cooling effect on the body and naturally lowers the body temperature and is ideal for the summer season, the cooling summer yoga. Since this breathing technique in this pranayama can lower the body’s temperature, one should not be practice sheetali pranayama in the winter season.

Seetkari Pranayama Steps:

1. Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, with the spine straight. Soften the facial muscles and relax the shoulders.
2. Gently clench the lower and upper teeth together and separate the lips as much as you can and it feels comfortable, keeping the jaw relaxed and the teeth exposed to air.
3. Inhale; the breath from the gaps of the teeth and focus on the hissing sound of the breathe as it moves in. Close the mouth and exhale; from both the nostrils.
4. Repeat breathing the same way for 10 20 breaths and then relax and breathe naturally.

Repeat the same for two to three rounds. Then relax.

Balasana / Child Pose:

This summer yoga pose is a very healing pose for the body and mind. It calms the mind and the focus shift into the breath. It releases tension from the spine and the hips. This pose releases all the tension and fatigue the heat of the summer season brings.

Balasana Steps:

1. Come on the knees and join the big toes, thighs, and knees together.
2. Place the palms on the floor and separate the knees as wide as you can making sure that it is comfortable for you. (Place a bolster between the knees, if your hips don’t touch the ankle and a blanket under the feet if you feel uncomfortable.)
3. Inhale; raise the arms up extending the spine.
4. Exhale; come forward and rest the torso on the floor between the knees, make a pillow with the palms and rest the forehead on the palms. (If the torso does not rest on the floor take a bolster and place it in the middle and rest the torso on it.)
5. Breathing deeply for 1 to 2 minutes. Remember to stay in still and avoid movement while you hold the pose.
6. Inhale; raise the arms up and as you exhale lower the arms and release the pose.

This is very important as there is no force, striving or pushing while you are in the pose as we working on just being present to just where you are in the moment.

Simhasana (Lion Pose):

This pose relieves tension from the face and the chest. It works on releasing the entire stress out of the body and relaxes the mind.

Simhasana Steps:

1. Sit in a cross-legged comfortable position and focus on the breath. Relax the shoulders and the facial muscles.
2. Keep the palms on the thighs facing the ceiling and the index finger gently touching the thumb ie chin mudra.
3. Focus on the breathe and relax.
4. Inhale; deeply through the nostrils, open the mouth as wide you can and stretch the tongue out and exhale from the mouth making a loud sound of HA or roar like a lion.
5. Close the mouth and shift the gaze or focus the eyes between the eyebrows.

Repeat the same for two more times and then relax in child pose.

How To Cool Eyes This Summer:

The eyes are the most noticed part of our body and the most expressive too. While the sun shines bright and hard, it feels uneasy about opening your eyes. While the heat is ready to bite, here are some quick, easy and amazing home tips to cool your eyes. Some yoga for eyes and eye exercises can be the best practice to maintain eye health and the yoga and exercises best practiced synchronizing with your breath.

Summer is at the peak which means more sunshine but unfortunately more heat as well. The moment you step out in the sun your eyes feel crinkled and the heat pinches them a bit more. Air conditioners and coolers are on full swing to beat the heat. But, you’ve got to do a lot to stay healthy while the sun conspires to drain you during the day.

Cold Spoon:

Keep two spoons in the freezer overnight. Dab the backsides on your eyes the next day. It improves blood circulation.

Green tea bags:

Soak the tea bags in cold water and keep it on your eyes for 15-20 minutes. The tannins in the tea will reduce inflammation and keep your eyes bright and healthy.

Rosewater:

Soak cotton swabs in rose water and leave it on your eyes for 15-20 minutes. It reduces burning and inflammation in your eyes.

Coldwater:

Splashing cold water in your eyes gently can relieve stress and burning sensation especially when the climate is hot.

Cucumber slices:

Cucumbers are filled with water. Fresh slices of cucumber on your eyes just for 15-20 minutes has a hydrating and cooling effect on the skin. Cucumber also prevents dark circles.

Aloe vera gel eye packs:

A simple plant with benefits innumerable, aloe vera can help you soothe your eyes. You can either have an aloe gel eye pack or simply smear some aloe vera gel on your eyes and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water and you’re ready to take on the day!

Tomato:

A juicy little fruit that’s used in almost every Indian curry, tomato, is a great source of antioxidants and works wonders when it comes to skin and eye care. Take a small tomato and slice it into two. Place both the slices on your eyes and let it rest for 15 minutes. Another way to use tomato is to puree it and apply it under your eyes.

Fruity ice cubes:

Add slices of cucumber, lemon, watermelon, mint leaves or strawberries in water and freeze. You can either use them as a cool pack for your eyes or have them popped in a drink. So, summer is just another season with some heat in bonus. You just have to find a better way to cool your eyes. So, why not try these tips and keep your eyes cool!