Summer is the time for sunshine, vacations and hot days. Although people like this season and its beauty, they get tired, dehydrated and exhausted because of its intense heat. Eating seasonal fruits and fresh juices is one of the best ways to stay healthy and refreshed during summer season. Not only do fruits give hydration, but they also give essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help the body stay energetic and cool.

There are many different delicious fruits that are full of water and natural sugars and are plentiful in the summer that can instantly cool down the body. Fruits and freshly made fruit drinks make a great way to cool off and stay hydrated. Summer fruits and drinks come in juicy watermelon and refreshing coconut water.

Watermelon: The Ultimate Summer Fruit

Watermelon is one of the most refreshing of all the summer fruits. Because watermelon is so watery, 90% of the fruit is composed of water, it helps keep the body hydrated even on a sweltering day. It is one of the most popular fruits in the world due to its sweet taste and softness.

Vitamin A and C are very present in watermelon and the antioxidants found in it protect the body from heat-related fatigue. Fruity and refreshing, chilled watermelon slices are an afternoon treat that are delicious enough to provide a quick pick-me-up and have a cooling effect. The juice of a watermelon is also very popular in summer as it is light, refreshing and easy to digest. A few mint leaves or some lemon juice enhances the cooling and taste of the drink.

Mango: The King of Summer Fruits

Mangoes are a must have for any summer vacation. Mangoes are considered the “king of fruits,” and are a popular favourite for their sweet, tropical taste. Mangoes come in many varieties, and are consumed as desserts, smoothies, milkshakes, salads, and fresh juices.

Mangoes have high levels of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants that aid in digestion and boost immunity. Mangoes are sweet, but they are also a quick source of energy — ideal for a hot summer afternoon. One of the best drinks in summer is fresh mango juice or mango smoothie that’s chilled.

In various regions of India, raw mangoes are utilized to prepare traditional summer beverages such as Aam Panna. This drink, characterized by its sparkling, refreshing, and tangy qualities, serves to alleviate heat and prevent dehydration during extremely hot weather. Sparkling, refreshing and tangy, this drink is useful to cool down and stop dehydration in very hot weather.

Coconut Water: The Natural Energy Drink

Coconut water is one of the healthiest and refreshes drink in summer. It is a natural electrolyte beverage and replenishes water minerals lost through sweat. Coconut water has very few calories compared to packaged soft drinks and does not contain any artificial ingredients.

With fresh coconut water, the body is instantly rejuvenated, and it keeps it hydrated for a longer time. Coconut water is particularly useful for those who are in the sun for longer than usual, as it is great for digestion and energy. Apart from water, Coconut water also aids digestion and energy during hot weather. Being cool, many people like to have fresh coconut water in the morning during the summer.

Pineapple: Sweet, Tangy and Refreshing

Pineapple is another tropical fruit which makes a huge hit in the summer. It is a sweet and slightly tart combination that brings a refreshing taste that’s ideal for warm weather. The natural enzyme bromelain is found in pineapple which aids digestion and lowers inflammation.

Cold fresh pineapple juice is one of the best beverages to quench the summer heat. Fruits smoothies, fruit salads and frozen pineapple desserts are also very popular on holidays and beaches. Pineapple has high levels of Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps sustain energy and a sense of freshness.

Oranges and Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, sweet lime and lemon are especially refreshing in the summer. They are tangy and give instant energy to the body and help reduce tiredness due to heat.

Vitamin C is abundant in oranges and plays a vital role in protecting the body from diseases and keeping the skin healthy during the winter. Fresh orange juice is one of the most popular breakfast drinks, as it is light, nutritious, and refreshing.

Lemonade and lemon juice are both very popular in the summer. A glass of lemonade iced with mint and a pinch of black salt can cool the body down in no time. Lemonade is often seen as a summer drink in many homes as it’s a refreshing drink that keeps you hydrated and energized.

Lychee: A Sweet Summer Treat

Lychee is a juicy fruit, which is known for its floral fragrance and sweetness. Lychee is a popular fruit in many Asian countries and typically eaten in the summer. The fruit is rich in water content and is high in Vitamin C, which is both hydrating and nutritious.

Fresh lychee juice is very refreshing and is served cold in the hot afternoons. In addition, it’s popular for summer parties and other festivities as a lychee-flavored mocktails, smoothies or desserts. It is naturally sweet and is a favourite among children and adults.

Sugarcane Juice: A Traditional Summer Refreshment

A beloved traditional drink in India for the summer is sugarcane juice. This is a refreshing and energizing drink which is popular at roadside stalls and local markets and is known for its sweetness.

Fresh sugarcane juice is helpful for reducing heat from the body and maintain energy level during extremely hot days. The lemon juice and mint leaves add to the taste and coolness of the beverage. In summer, sugarcane juice is a popular choice over carbonated soft drinks due to its natural sugars and minerals.

Strawberry and Berry Juices

While berries are plentiful in colder climates, drinks and smoothies with strawberries are in high demand during the summer months. The strawberries have antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps to maintain the body and skin quality. Strawberry juice or Strawberry lemonade makes a sweet, tart and refreshing drink in hot weather. Yogurt or milk smoothies with berries are also great summer breakfast ideas.

Benefits of Fresh Summer Juices

Summer time is the perfect season for fresh fruit juices. They support hydration, aid in digestion and also supply natural energy without the extra unhealthy components present in numerous packaged drinks. Fruit drinks made from fresh fruits are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants which protect the body from heat and fatigue.

But, homemade juice made with fresh fruits is always better than buying drinks that come with added sugar and preservatives. Too much sugar in fruit juices should also be avoided as fruit sugars are generally enough to make a juice sweet.

Conclusion

The right fruits and juices can make the summer season enjoyable, healthy and refreshing, despite its exhausting nature. The consumption of fruits such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, oranges and lychee helps to keep the body cool and hydrated, and maintains the essential nutrients. Drinking fresh juices like coconut water, lemonade, sugarcane juice and fruit smoothies helps to cool the body down and boost energy levels.

One of the easiest and healthiest things to do during the summer is to make sure you have fruits and natural drinks in your meals every day. From sun-drenched days, there’s a refreshing treat like chilled watermelon juice, to those long, hot days, there’s the same refreshment in the form of fresh coconut water.