As hot summer days approach, beverages gain a lot of attention. The urge to drink chilled summer drinks skyrockets. It is also essential to prioritize our health and well-being.
Consuming detox drinks is an effective method of addressing our well-being on hot days. These drinks help revitalize the body both mentally and physically.
By adding several ingredients to plain water, we can easily formulate a detox drink with numerous health benefits. Summer brings an abundance of fresh veggies, herbs, and fruits, so formulating a detox drink is easier and a healthier option.
What to Use in Detox Summer Drinks?
- Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges are excellent for detox drinks. They are a rich source of vitamin C, a detoxifier, and boost the immune system. Moreover, they promote the production of glutathione. These citrus fruits make a healthy detox drink that rejuvenates the body on hot summer days.
- Lemon Water: To start your day with hydration and detoxification, squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water. This makes a great drink.
- Coconut Water with Lime: Chilled coconut water is a drink to cherish on those hot summer days. Adding lime juice is like icing on the cake. This drink is perfect for rehydrating after a hot summer day. Coconut water is a rich source of electrolytes. It’s a hydrating drink that flushes out toxins and is rich in electrolytes.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are famous for their high water content. Almost 96% of water is present in cucumbers. They have anti-inflammatory properties, too. Hence, cucumbers not only hydrate but also flush out toxins.
Cucumber Mint Detox Water: Add sliced cucumber with some fresh min leaves in a bottle of chilled water. Refrigerate it overnight. This infused drink is a great detoxifier.
Green Tea
Green tea is known for its detoxifying properties, which help improve digestion and prevent heartburn. It contains catechins, which are known for enhancing liver functions and increasing detoxification processes in the body.
Iced Green Tea with Lemon:
- Add green tea to a cup of boiling water.
- Let it seep for a few minutes.
- Let it cool.
- Add some ice and lemon juice to it.
This is a great detoxifying drink in summer.
To make it even more interesting, you can add any seasonal fruit, such as watermelon, kiwi, peach, or mango. You can either blend it or add slices to add flavor.
Ginger
Ginger has been known for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a powerful root that helps with digestion, eliminates toxins, and reduces inflammation. People enjoy ginger in their teas to give them a spicy touch.
Ginger Lemon Detox Drink: Boil a few slices of ginger in water, let it cool, and then add lemon juice. This drink is both soothing and detoxifying.
Berries
Berries make an excellent detox drink in summer. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are high in antioxidants and fiber. They help cleanse the gut and improve digestion.
Berry Detox Smoothie: Coconut water is the ideal summer beverage. When mixed with a handful of berries and chia seeds, it makes a drink that is rich in fiber and omega-3.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and parsley not only add flavor but also have detoxifying properties. They support liver function and help eliminate toxins.
Herbal-Infused Water: Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as mint, basil, and parsley, to a pitcher of water and let it infuse overnight for a refreshing detox drink.
What to Avoid in Detox Summer Drinks?
Sugar
Refined sugar has detrimental effects on the human body. It is the main cause of disrupting metabolism and inflammation. However, adding sugar to drinks makes them unhealthy.
Avoid drinks containing refined sugar; artificial sweeteners do more harm than good on hot summer days. Also, avoid drinking fizzy drinks, iced teas, or juices with a lot of sugar.
Alternative: Use natural sweeteners like honey, stevia, or maple syrup sparingly.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are no better than sugar or refined sugar. They disturb the digestive system and negatively impact health.
Avoid Diet sodas and sugar-free drinks with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose.
Alternative: always look for natural sweeteners like honey or add fruits like dates.
Alcohol
Alcohol affects the liver directly. Summers call for hydration, and alcohol is dehydrating, directly adding toxins that are hard to eliminate. It only adds calories and is not beneficial in any way.
Avoid Cocktails, beers, and other alcoholic beverages.
Alternative: Non-alcoholic mocktails using fresh fruits and herbs are an ideal alternative
Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine from sources like green and black coffee is beneficial, but when consumed excessively, it dehydrates the body and stresses the liver.
Avoid: Excessive coffee, energy drinks, and high-caffeine teas.
Alternative: Herbal teas and decaffeinated beverages.
Dairy
Dairy products are difficult for some people to digest. It bloats them and causes inflammation.
Avoid: Milk-based smoothies, yogurt drinks, and dairy-heavy beverages.
Alternative: Use plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or oat milk.
Processed Ingredients
Avoid adding preservatives to your summer detox drinks. They don’t benefit the body in any way; in fact, they only increase the body’s toxin load.
Avoid: buying packaged drinks, as they often contain preservatives that are only chemicals.
Instead: formulate your drink using fresh, whole ingredients.
Ideal Detox Summer Drink Recipe
Berry and Beet Smoothie
This power-packed smoothie contains ingredients that cool down your body temperature and detoxify.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- One small beet, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup coconut water
- One tablespoon of chia seeds
- One teaspoon of honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Conclusion
Detox summer drinks are a delight during heat waves. They are beneficial for the body in numerous ways. They not only improve energy levels but also boost immunity and help with weight loss. They help the body flush out toxins. By choosing the right ingredients that have a cooling effect on the body in the summer and avoiding harmful ones, you can make your drinks that are naturally fresh and hydrating. Power up your summer days with revitalizing detox drinks.
