The lockdown has started easing down, especially in green and orange zones. As a result, we may soon see ourselves leaving the shelter of our safe havens. However, with the summer season at its peak now, along with using masks and sanitizers, we would need to take certain additional precautionary measures. These measures may include keeping ourselves well-hydrated (irrespective of the zone you belong to) and using sunscreens while going outdoors.
With the month of June knocking at our doors, the temperatures are very likely to spike up. High temperatures and the scorching sun bring along problems like heat strokes, sunburns, excessive sweating which can cause prickly heat rashes and dehydration.
Since our body loses so much water during the summers due to sweating, it is crucial to refill its electrolyte reserve by taking lots of fluids. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water should not be compromised. However, if you wish to rejuvenate your taste buds, you can also opt for several healthy drinks, smoothies, punches and shakes. One such delicious, cool and super-healthy is minty cucumber cooler drink.
Enriched with the benefits of ingredients like cucumber, mint and curd, this drink provides a cooling sensation to your body. Since this drink doesn’t have sugar and contains cucumber, mint and low-fat curd, people with diabetes can also take it.
So, let’s see what all you need to do to get your hands on this minty cucumber cooler drink.
Here’s what you’ll need (for 1 serving):
– ⅛ cup chopped mint leaves
– ¾ cup chopped cucumber
– ⅓ cups low-fat curd
– Salt to taste
For serving:
– ⅛ cup crushed ice
For garnishing:
– 1 tbsp finely chopped cucumber
How to prepare:
– In a deep pan, cook the cucumber with ½ cup of water on a medium flame till it turns soft (approx 4 to 5 mins). Keep aside to cool.
– Once cooled, blend the cucumber (with the remaining water) and mint leaves till smooth.
– Pour the mixture in a deep bowl. Add curd and salt. Mix well and keep aside.
– Place some crushed ice in your glass and pour the juice over it.
– Garnish with shredded cucumber and savor your juice.
Nutrition facts:
– Energy: 40 cal
– Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
– Protein: 3.2 g
– Fiber: 2.7 g
– Fat: 0.2 g
Consult our team of expert dieticians to get personalized diet plans as per your needs.
The ingredients and their benefits:
The types and amounts of food we eat impact how hydrated our body remains[1].
1. Cucumber has 96% water[1]. Hence, including this vegetable in our daily diet in summers can help replenish our water reserve.
2. Cucumber has antioxidant properties. It is low on calories and has the potential to lower your blood sugar and lipid levels. The vegetable, including its seeds, enrich the body with a cooling effect. In fact, the seeds help prevent constipation. Cucumber has a cleansing action on the body which helps in the removal of old waste materials and chemical toxins[2].
3. Low-fat curd is highly beneficial for people with diabetes and is healthy for people with high blood pressure[3]. In case you need to serve this drink to high BP patients, do not add salt in it. You may instead add a pinch of crushed black pepper, basil, ginger or nutmeg to enhance the taste.
4. The mint leaves give this drink a refreshing flavor. It is a plant highly recognized for its medicinal properties. It has antimicrobial properties and can have positive effects on the gastrointestinal and nervous systems[4].
5. Menthol, the main compound found in mint has several properties, including antimicrobial, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. All these properties have cumulatively given mint the fame of being highly beneficial in the treatment of health issues like headaches, digestive problems, throat irritation and sore throat[4].
It is evident that other than being a fantastic coolant for our bodies, the minty cucumber cooler drink is enriched with nutrients. Instead of cribbing about the rising temperatures, cool yourself down by getting your hands on this masterpiece.
Enjoy your drink!
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
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References:
1. Isabelle Guelinckx, Gabriel Tavoularis, Jürgen König, et al. Contribution of Water from Food and Fluids to Total Water Intake: Analysis of a French and UK Population Surveys. Nutrients. 2016 Oct; 8(10): 630. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084017/
2. Mukherjee PK1, Nema NK, Maity N, et al. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84:227-36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23098877
3. Tanja Kongerslev Thorning, Anne Raben, Tine Tholstrup, et al. Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence. Food Nutr Res. 2016; 60: 10.3402/fnr.v60.32527. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5122229/
4. Peyman Mikaili, Sina Mojaverrostami, Milad Moloudizargari, et al. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol. Anc Sci Life. 2013 Oct-Dec; 33(2): 131–138. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4171855/