A smoothie summer

With the sun burning up more than ever, one need not look further than one’s own pantry to find delicious, healthy ingredients to whip up a thirst-quenching smoothie.

With summer peaking just before the monsoons in Mumbai, health concerns such as dehydration, hair fall, indigestion, metabolism troubles, and even lethargy are common.

The body craves nutrients and vitamins to make up for the loss caused by the extreme heat and humidity of the summer. While there are products like skin creams and oils for external use, one can replenish one’s body internally by eating and drinking healthy. The temptation of reaching out for a chilled soft-drink or a beer is immense, but you can keep cool and give your body the nutrients it requires using specially blended smoothies that are easy to prepare at home. And not to forget delicious too!

Tropical fruits to increase metabolism Smoothies to increase the metabolism rate can include a good blend of vitamins A and C, as well as zinc, the latter making them great for the immune system as well. Add to it the fact that tropical fruits like cantaloupes or muskmelon, mangoes and pineapples are the hero of the drink, and you get a refreshing summer delight you will want to have more of.

Yummy Tropical Smoothie cup cantaloupe or muskmelon, cubed cup mango, cubed cup pumpkin seeds, finely chopped cup pineapple, cubed Water to thin, quantity depending on how thin or thick you want your drink to be

Preparation: Just blend the ingredients, and enjoy the drink

Berries for great hair Berries are a great source of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron. The vitamin is also essential for the formation of collagen, which keeps hair strong and flexible, preventing it from becoming dry, brittle and easily breakable. Citric fruits, kiwi, broccoli, peppers and cauliflower are all rich in vitamin C. On the other hand, there’s spinach that helps provide folate and iron to the body, and is often prescribed to people suffering from anemia. The combination of berries and spinach, in addition to almond milk, can help combat hair fall that occurs during the summers.

Spinach and berry smoothie:

Ingredients: 1 cup baby spinach cup frozen mixed berries 1 tbsp chia seeds banana, cut into chunks cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 3–5 ice cubes

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth and frothy

Coconut water for smooth skin Coconut water is a powerhouse of important electrolytes. Throw in healthy foods like carrots, strawberries, oranges and mangoes, which contain antioxidants and vitamins, and you have a treat for your skin. A drink made of these rich ingredients will stock your body with vitamins and nutrients that you can usually find in some of the most sought-after skin products.

Coconut Water Beauty Smoothie:

Ingredients: 1 cup coconut water cup chopped carrots cup strawberries 1 orange cup chopped mangoes

Preparation: Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

A mixed bag for energy Smoothies for energy draw a little bit from all summer-rich ingredients, to give you that extra push for the season. Fighting lethargy is not an easy task and kale, high in digestive-aiding fiber and vitamin A, as well as avocado, rich in brain-healthy omega 3 fatty acids can be handy allies. Along with the core ingredients, spinach, containing vitamin K and magnesium, coconut water, apple and mint can help enhance the taste of the green smoothie, and make it a tasty summer delight.

Energizing Green Smoothie:

avocado 4 leaves kale, stems removed apple 1 handful loose spinach 1 cup coconut water 4-5 fresh mint leaves

Preparation: Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until you get a green, smooth drink. Consume right away, preferably with an earth-friendly stainless steel straw.