Healthy and Homemade Drinks for Summer

Juices and smoothies are a delicious source of health and energy, especially during the summer season. They’re the trendy beverage because they nurture us from the inside, and their natural benefits are also reflected in our skin. The key is knowing how to select and combine the right ingredients.

Their preparation is simple: just choose seasonal fruits and vegetables, chop them, and blend or juice them. Ideally, leave the skin on to retain the maximum nutrients. In this quick and easy way, you’ll be adding a cocktail of vitamins and nutrients to your diet. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids to eat fruit almost without realizing it.

Today, I want to share some of my favorite summer smoothies, their benefits, and how to make them.

SUPER HYDRATING: Watermelon Smoothie

Is there anything more hydrating and packed with water than watermelon? Adding crushed ice makes it an incredibly refreshing cocktail. You can also include strawberries or berries, which brighten and tone the skin.

Preparation:
Cut two slices of watermelon into cubes. Add one cup of crushed ice, four hulled strawberries, and blueberries to taste. Blend for two minutes and serve.

ENERGETIC: Banana, Mango, and Pineapple Smoothie

This smoothie is popular for weight loss and helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Starting the day with a banana, mango, and pineapple smoothie will leave you bursting with energy. Bananas, with their high potassium content, have anti-aging properties. Mangoes, in addition to boosting the immune system, are rich in selenium, magnesium, and iron, and have diuretic effects. Pineapples are highly purifying, rich in fiber and carbohydrates, packed with vitamin C and some B vitamins, and contain bromelain, which aids digestion and relieves heaviness and stomach acidity.

Preparation:
Peel the banana, mango, and pineapple, and blend them together. Add the juice of one orange and a tablespoon of oats. Blend until smooth.

STIMULATING: Tea, Lime, and Fresh Ginger

This iced tea is a refreshing option for the hottest days. Fresh ginger is amazing for its anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties and adds a wonderful aroma. Limes, on the other hand, support the immune system and strengthen bones, as they contain calcium and potassium.

Preparation:
Pour two cups of water into a pitcher and steep three bags of black or green tea for three minutes. Add fresh ginger and the juice of one lime. Top up with more water, ice, and another lime sliced into rounds. It's ready to serve and enjoy!

DETOX: Cucumber, Mint, and Lime Water

This drink not only provides extra hydration but also promotes health and detoxification when consumed on an empty stomach. Mint accelerates digestion and relieves stomach discomfort. Cucumber and lime, in addition to being highly refreshing and a great source of vitamin C, support circulation and toxin elimination.

Preparation:
Combine one liter of water, one cucumber sliced into rounds, two limes sliced, and 10 mint leaves. Let it sit for a day, strain, and serve chilled.

ANTIOXIDANT: Carrot, Apple, Celery, and Lemon Juice

Before sunbathing, enjoy a refreshing antioxidant drink that also boosts your tan. Carrot is the perfect summer vegetable and pairs well with all fruits and vegetables thanks to its flavor. It protects against the sun and free radicals, prevents premature skin aging, and is your best ally for an enviable glow.

I love mixing it with apple because it helps naturally eliminate toxins and promotes skin regeneration. The tangy touch comes from celery and lemon, which are ideal for cleansing the body and preventing skin imperfections.

Preparation:
Chop one apple, two carrots, and one stalk of celery, keeping the skin on and washing them thoroughly. Don’t discard the greener celery leaves, as they are full of nutrients and chlorophyll. Blend the ingredients for a few minutes, then add the juice of one lemon. Serve and enjoy!