As summer begins to come to an end we are still able to enjoy a few more weeks of summer heat. This means that it’s important to stay hydrated but it doesn’t mean you need to stick with water.
Your body is made up of about 70% water, which means you need to drink a lot of fluids and eat a lot of foods that contain a lot of water. Many people choose not to drink water because they say it’s boring or doesn’t have any taste. However, you can stay hydrated and spice up your water intake!
In this blog I will share five refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that will keep you cool on a warm summer day.
BEET LEMONADE
This lemonade is not only refreshing but it is good for the body in a variety of different ways.
Benefits of beets include:
- Reduce inflammation
- Lower blood pressure
- Boost stamina for athletic performance
- Detoxifies the body
- Strengthen the immune system
- Support brain and bone health
Benefits of lemon include:
- Enhances the flavour of water
- Good source of vitamin C
- Improves skin quality
- Supports weight loss
- Aids in digestion
- Freshens breath
- Helps prevent kidney stones
BLUEBERRY SANGRIA
This non-alcoholic sangria is a delicious, and healthy, drink to serve for a backyard BBQ or night visiting on the deck. The variety of fruits in this drink give your body a variety of healing nutrients.
Benefits of blueberries include:
- They are the most nutrient dense berry
- High in fibre
- High in antioxidants
- Reduce DNA damage
- Research shows they may help reduce blood pressure and protect against heart disease
- Can help maintain brain function and improve memory
Benefits of oranges include:
- Rich in phytochemicals that protect against cancer
- Help prevent kidney disease
- Rich in potassium and boost heart health
- Relieve constipation
- Protect skin
- Alkalize the body
WATERMELON SLUSHER
Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit. It is full of water and is mouth-watering delicious. There’s nothing better than cutting a fresh watermelon in half and eating the fruit with a spoon. Try this refreshing drink as a way to hydrate and keep you cool from the summer heat.
Benefits of watermelon include:
- Has been shown to include many healing nutrients
- Very hydrating as it’s full of water
- Been shown to support heart health
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
- Supports eye health
- Great post workout drink as it’s been shown to reduce muscle soreness
Benefits of ginger include:
- Helps relieve nausea
- Powerful medicinal aid
- May reduce muscle soreness
- Reduces inflammation
- May lower blood pressure and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
- May reduce menstrual pain
BLACKBERRY MOJITO
This non-alcoholic mojito is a delicious summer beverage. Drink with your buddies without getting the buzz, or hangover, from the alcohol. This drink is sure to please your patio guests.
Benefits of blackberries include:
- High in fibre
- Full of antioxidants
- Source of vitamin K and vitamin C
- Supports oral health
Benefits of mint include:
- Rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals
- May improve irritable bowel syndrome
- May relieve indigestion
- Could improve brain function
BRAIN BUSTER SMOOTHIE
I had to include a smoothie in this list because they are one of my favourite things to drink. What I love about smoothies is that you can pack all sorts of delicious and healthy nutrients into one cup. Smoothies make a great breakfast meal or refreshing treat anytime during the day.
Benefits of Juice Plus Complete shake mix include:
- Contains over 17 fruits and veggies, sprouted grains and superfoods
- High in fibre
- Good source of plant-based protein
- It tastes delicious
- It’s non-GMO and chemical and pesticide free
Benefits of avocado include:
- Full of healthy fats
- Support brain and nervous system function
- High in potassium (more than bananas)
- High in fibre
- Shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
As you can see there are so many ways to boost your beverages and turn your fluids into a nutrient dense masterpiece. Have fun with the recipes add your own ingredients to generate the flavours you desire.
Until next time…
Namaste,
Rachel Joy Olsen, BSc., MBA