Drinks to keep you replenished during lockdown
One of the essentials during home quarantine in summer is to drink plenty of fluids
The scorching heat and the coronavirus outbreak have hit us Bangladeshis with a double whammy this summer. It has become a challenge to remain healthy, both mentally and physically.
However, one of the essentials during home quarantine in summer is to drink plenty of fluids. Here are some great drinks to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Water
Nothing beats a glass of plain water. Drink whenever you feel thirsty. Water is good for everything, especially for ensuring your basic bodily functions. Dr Gregory Jantz, an expert on eating disorders, feels that there could be a change in the amount of water intake during stress.
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"When people are anxious, they forget to drink water," he said. "Therefore, (in times like these) water consumption generally decreases."
Dr Jantz recommends drinking water throughout the day – especially if you are working from home because "water affects mood, energy, concentration."
The more you drink, the more you are likely to be in a better mood, have more energy and higher concentration.
Lemon water
Citrus fruits like lemons are high in vitamin C, a primary antioxidant that helps protect cells from damaging its free radicals. Vitamin C may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and lower blood pressure.
While lemons do not top the list of citrus fruits highest in vitamin C, they are still a good source.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the juice of one lemon provides about 18.6 milligrams of vitamin C. The recommended daily amount for adults is 65 to 90 milligrams.
Add-ons: You also can add one table spoon of honey or ginger, to boost the taste.
Milk
Milk is an excellent source of nutrients. It provides potassium, vitamin B12, calcium and vitamin D, which are lacking in many of our diets. Milk is also a good source of vitamin A, magnesium, zinc and thiamine (B1).
Additionally, it is an excellent source of protein and contains hundreds of different fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and omega-3s.
Drinking a glass of milk can also help you sleep better. Milk and other dairy products contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can naturally induce sleep by increasing serotonin and melatonin.
Add-ons: You can add ginger and turmeric to a regular glass of milk. Drinking turmeric milk helps to boost immunity. It is also used to fight respiratory issues and is a remedy for cold and cough.
Vegetable juice/ smoothies
You can blend various kinds of leafy green veggies to make your smoothie. Spinach, green mango, kale, and beet root can be great options for a healthy drink.
Green smoothie helps with weight loss, if you drink it on a regular basis. Fibre from fruits and vegetables keeps your belly full for longer. Moreover, leafy greens and fruits contain many nutrients, vitamins and natural sugars that feed your body cells with energy.
Add-ons: If you want to change the taste, you can add ground flax seed, peanut butter, almond butter, turmeric, yogurt, matcha powder, or fresh ginger.
What you should not drink:
Well, here is a bad news for hard fans of coffee and fizzy drinks. World Health Organisation has recommended reducing the intake of caffeinated drinks as it increases the chance of getting dehydrated.
"Avoid drinking large amounts of strong coffee, tea, and especially caffeinated soft drinks and energy drinks. These may lead to dehydration and negatively impact your sleeping patterns", stated WHO.
