In summer, drinking plenty of liquid is especially important because we sweat far more than in the other seasons. Unfortunately many people turn to sugary, fizzy drinks, which actually increase their thirst. Here are some tips on how to make refreshments more healthy during Summer:

The best Summer Drinks

Water– our body is mainly water so the best way of replenishing the lost fluids in our body is to drink plenty of water. The jury is still out on mineral water versus tap water, although most experts seem to agree that filtered water is the most healthy. If you prefer mineral water, try to buy glass bottles and always keep opened bottles in the refrigerator and finish their content within 24 hours! Also, it’s best to avoid the flavoured water sold in shops, they are full of sugar! If children don’t want to drink plain water, mix fresh fruit juice with water for them, or make your own cordial. For adults, boring water can be made more refreshing with a slice of lemon or lime and plenty of ice! Tea– in the heat of the Asian tropics and the middle-east many people drink hot tea. By doing this they sweat more, which cools the body, and their body temperature increases so their environment feels relatively less hot. In India they put a little salt in their tea to replace the salt lost by sweating, so they feel less dazed in the heat. In America it’s very popular to drink iced tea – this can be very refreshing and easy to make, just pour cooled lemon tea over ice cubes! Particularly healthy and delicious are iced green tea and Rooibos tea – but most fruit and herbal teas can be drunk cold (more refreshing with a piece or a few drops of lemon). Freshly squeezed juices– summer fruits and vegetables are particularly suitable for juicing! They are not only refreshing, but are good for detoxifying the body. However, do try to drink freshly juiced vegetables & fruits on an empty stomach (otherwise you get a bit gassy!) and definitely within five minutes of pressing.N.B. these juices are not suitable for storing in the refrigerator – they will separate and discolor. Smoothie– kids love it, but for adults too these can be refreshing and healthy  drinks, as long as you make them yourself. Add natural yoghurt or kefir to it! Lemonade– the most popular soft drink of the summer season, which can be used for making cocktails too. It’s so easy to makehomemade lemonade>>

Alcohol

• Alcohol should be consumed with care in the summer because it goes to our head very quickly in the heat. So just drink weak or diluted alcoholic beverages! Be especially careful with cocktails, because a lot of fruity liqueurs are very deceiving – not to mention the calories! Here are some greatsummer cocktail recipes>>
• Bubbly  – during the summer we tend to drink more fizzy wine, be that Cava, Prosecco or Champagne. However, there is a big difference between bottle fermented champagne and those sparkling wines that ere enriched with carbon dioxide (seeChampagne Tips). Use sparkling wines forchampagne cocktails. If you are expecting guests for a party, don’t forget to providenon-alcoholic cocktails too – not just for the kids!
• If you drink alcohol, always drink a glass of water for each glass, so you will be less tipsy and also it’ll help you avoid a hangover!

The most important issue in the summer is to drink plenty of fluid – either warm or cold! Be sensible and enjoy it all the more.