There’s nothing as blissful as a cold drink with clinking ice cubes on a hot and sweaty afternoon. Unfortunately, the terms ‘calories’ and ‘junk food’ has permeated the atmosphere and our mental space so much, that we really cannot enjoy a drink unless we are sure that it is healthy or at least harmless. The caffeine in coffee is diuretic and leads us to dehydration. Two cola drinks taken daily results in kidney diseases, carbonated drinks develops a condition called metabolic syndrome and simple fruit juices are saturated with sugar that scales up calories. So how can we quench our thirst? The best drink is cold and pure water. But surely there are other options. Thankfully, we do. Read on.
Crushed cherries with mint
Cherries have always been a favorite fruit and now has earned the title of having the most number of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and a standard cup of cherries has nearly 4873 antioxidants besides melatonin, quercetin and phenols. So you can confidently grab this cherry cocktail which takes about 10 minutes to make. It is believed that a dash of alcohol increases the antioxidant content, but it can be made without too. The ingredients are 1 cup pitted, fresh cherries, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 8 teaspoons sugar, 6ozs dark rum (optional), 1/4 cup lime juice and 3 cups of cherry flavored seltzer. Mash cherries, mint and sugar together. Mix the lime juice and rum. Divide among four glasses and top with seltzer and ice. Serves four with 161 calories per serving.
Lemony watermelon
Lemonade is most certainly the best non-alcoholic fruit drink that is healthy and refreshing, but the saccharin content is very high. A registered dietician in Chicago, Jackson Blatner came out with this amazing concoction of watermelon and lemons. Watermelon is now recognized as having important medicinal value. It is not only low in calories but also has the property of unclogging arteries and reducing tummy fats. Research studies have proved that watermelons have an important phytonutrient called lycopene which can reduce the risk of a heart attack. It is rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin A and C, and beta carotene. One cup of this juice has only 50 calories and contains absolutely no sugar. To make this cool sipper, mix four cups of seedless watermelon juice with the juice of three lemons. Serve with ice. As the watermelon has a natural sugar content, diabetics can ask for their doctor’s advice.
Iced green tea
Tea is a great drink for winter as a hot cuppa and as iced tea for summer. Green tea has many health benefits. Caffeine is low in and has invigorating and detoxifying properties. Drinking tea together is a great ceremony in Japan which has gradually spread all over the world. Now iced green tea is available in many fruity flavors like peach and blueberry. Lemon flavor is very common and popular with jasmine flavor being an out of the world experience. For those who are habituated tea drinkers, cold and fruity versions are interesting substitutes.
Grapefruit and pomegranate cocktail
This dusky pink drink with a wedge of a slice of grapefruit looks divine in the delicate stemmed wine glass. This fruity cocktail is made with equal proportions of grapefruit, hia slightly sweeter version. This pink marvel can be made with just the fruit juices of grapefruit and pomegranate without campari for a non-alcoholic drink. Grapefruit besides being delicious contains the soluble fiber pectin, known to reduce ldl and acts as a laxative It has oxidants that are essential for good vision and rich in vitamin A and C. B-complex group of vitamins are also found in this fruit along with potassium and lycopene. Pomegranate is a rich source for soluble fibers that keeps the digestive tract and intestines clean, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Other nutrients found commonly in fruits like vitamins and minerals are all present in pomegranates.
Fruit smoothies
Nothing can be more satisfying than a smoothie either with skimmed milk and fruits or with yoghurt and berries. Its a food and drink rolled into one that is healthy and quells hunger pangs. The fiber content is high with lots of vitamins and antioxidants. A fast food joint may offer smoothies that can explode with calories, but a home made one is simple and safe. You can make a raspberry-avocado smoothie by blending 3/4 cup of raspberry, one pitted avocado, 3/4 cup of orange juice and 1/2 a cup of frozen raspberries. This will have 249 calories per 8 ounces, 7 gm of fiber and 625 milligrams of potassium. Bought out smoothies may have 30 grams of sugar and 590 calories for 32 ounces and minus the fiber and nutrients
Spicy papaya punch
Tropical and juicy this drink offers vitamin A and carotenoids that smooth away inflammation. These non alcoholic drinks curb cravings thanks to papaya’s high fiber content. They are also highly hydrating because papaya is made up entirely of water. All the ingredients that you need for this fruit punch are 3/4 cup diced papaya, 1 cup of diced watermelon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 red jalapeno and ice. Puree them altogether and serve topped with ice and slices of lime and jalapeno. You can strain the pulp but that removes the fiber content. Spike it with tequila to add a little zing to the fruit punch