Summer is approaching and the heat is gradually becoming unbearable. One of the primary victims of the scorching heat is our digestive system. It is very important to eat light and clean in the summer to keep you healthy and cool. Due to warm weather, the growth of bacteria is more which causes various digestive problems like loose motions and food poisoning in summers. Eating out also often leads to health issues.
To prevent such health problems in the summer, it is a good idea to switch to a clean and refreshing detox diet in the summer. As the name suggests, Detox diets are diets aimed at cleansing the body of toxins. The human body has many natural ways of detoxification the liver, sweat, urine, feces, and more. But, due to increased intake of refined and processed foods, the load of toxins in our body increases too much. You can choose plenty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and drinks in summer that can help your body cleanse itself from harmful toxins and rejuvenate you from within. Detoxing helps in many ways like enhancing liver function, boosting skin health, weight loss, etc.
Detoxing in the summer with seasonal foods in India is a fantastic idea! Here is a guide to help you plan your summer detox:
Hydrate with Lemon Water: The simple combination of water and fresh lemon juice packs a powerful punch of hydration and nutrition. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that helps to neutralize harmful free radicals and support the immune system. Lemon water can stimulate digestion and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body thanks to its natural diuretic properties. Drinking lemon water regularly may also help to alkalize the body, balancing pH levels and promoting a more alkaline environment which is believed to be less conducive to disease.
Watermelon: Watermelon is an essential summer fruit that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits, including its detoxifying properties. Packed with water content, vitamins, and antioxidants, watermelon serves as a refreshing way to flush out toxins from the body during the scorching summer months. Its high water content helps to keep the body hydrated, aiding in the elimination of waste, and promoting kidney function.
Additionally, watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that supports the liver in detoxifying ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Moreover, the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, assists in neutralizing harmful free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall detoxification.
Mint: In summer, mint emerges as a refreshing ally, not just for its cooling properties but also for its detoxifying benefits. Its high content of antioxidants helps combat oxidative stress, which can escalate during hot weather. Mint has a soothing effect on the digestive system, alleviating any discomfort caused by summer indulgences. Its diuretic properties promote the flushing out of toxins from the body, assisting in maintaining proper hydration levels essential for enduring the heat. Whether infused in chilled beverages, sprinkled over salads, or incorporated into raita, biryani, or chutney, mint stands as a versatile and revitalizing addition to your detox routine.
Cucumber: Cucumbers are not only a refreshing summer snack but also an excellent addition to any detox regimen. Packed with hydrating properties, they help flush out toxins from the body, keeping you cool and revitalized during the hot summer months. Their high water content aids in hydration, while their low calorie and high fiber content make them a perfect choice for weight management and digestive health.
Cucumbers are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamins C and K, which support overall immune function and skin health. Whether sliced up in a salad, blended into a smoothie, incorporated in raita, or infused in water, cucumbers offer a simple and delicious way to cleanse and rejuvenate your body.
Tender Coconut water: Bursting with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, coconut water offers a deliciously hydrating way to detoxify your body during the sweltering heat. Its potassium content helps regulate fluid balance, while magnesium and calcium aid in muscle function and bone health. Coconut water is also low in calories and sugar, making it a guilt-free indulgence for those looking to cleanse and replenish their system.
Ash gourd juice: Ash gourd is great for detoxification. It is best to consume ash gourd juice early in the morning on an empty stomach. It is an excellent summer drink that helps to hydrate and refresh your body in the summer. Rich in fiber, it aids digestion and promotes bowel regularity, ensuring that waste is efficiently eliminated from the system. Ash gourd juice can also be combined with lemon and turmeric for added benefits.
Bael juice: Bael fruit has immense health benefits and is rightly called India’s ‘unsung summer fruit.’ Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, bael juice aids in flushing out toxins, promoting digestion, and boosting immunity. Its cooling effect provides relief from the sweltering heat, making it an ideal choice for hydration and revitalization.
Chaach (Chaas/Mattha): Buttermilk or chaach boasts of several health benefits that make it a perfect addition to your summer detox. Packed with probiotics, buttermilk aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut flora, which is essential for overall well-being. Its high calcium content promotes strong bones and teeth while also contributing to muscle function.
Additionally, buttermilk is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those looking to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight. Its electrolyte content helps replenish lost fluids and minerals, making it an ideal beverage for staying hydrated during hot summer days.
Aam Panna : Aam Panna, a traditional Indian summer drink made from raw mangoes, is not only a refreshing beverage but also a natural detoxifier perfect for the scorching heat. This tangy and sweet drink is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal choice to replenish electrolytes during hot summer days. Raw mangoes are packed with antioxidants and enzymes that aid in detoxifying the body by flushing out toxins and promoting better digestion. The addition of spices like cumin, black salt, and mint not only enhances the flavor but also provides additional health benefits.
Incorporating these refreshing foods and beverages into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to support your body’s natural detoxification processes and promote overall wellness.