Hey guys! I hope that everyone had a blessed Ramadan and that you are now back in the swing of things.
As it’s the middle of summer and the heat is very warm to say the least, this month I will share with you the benefits of staying hydrated and some super cool recipes to quench the thirst that’s among us.
Water does much more than just satisfy your thirst and regulate your body’s temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your body moist. You know how it feels when your eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry?
Keeping your body hydrated helps it to retain optimum levels of moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in the blood, bones and brain. In addition, water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts as a lubricant and cushion for your joints, says Dr. Sandro LaRocca at NJNBI.
Adequate water intake also enables your body to excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation. The kidneys and liver use it to help flush out waste, as do your intestines. Water can also keep you from getting constipated by softening your stools and helping move the food you’ve eaten through your intestinal tract. However, it should be noted that there is no evidence to prove that increasing your fluid intake will cure constipation.
Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise, sweat in high heat, come down with a fever or contract an illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea. If you’re losing fluids for any of these reasons, it’s important to increase your fluid intake so that you can restore your body’s natural hydration levels. Your doctor may also recommend that you drink more fluids to help treat other health conditions, such as bladder infections and urinary tract stones. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you may want to consult with your physician about your fluid intake because your body will be using more fluids than usual, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
So after all that, how much water do you really need? There’s no hard and fast rule, and many individuals meet their daily hydration needs by simply drinking water when they’re thirsty, according to a report on nutrient recommendations from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. In fact, most people who are in good physical health get enough fluids by drinking water and other beverages when they’re thirsty, and also by drinking a beverage with each of their meals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’re not sure about your hydration level, look at your urine. If it’s clear, you’re in good shape. If it’s dark, you’re probably dehydrated.
Now that you know why you need to stay hydrated and the need of that amazing substance H2O in your life, here are a couple of easy flavored water recipes to keep you hydrated in this Dubai summer heat.
Do it for the love of cooking – The Paleo Chef
Cucumber and Lemongrass Water
You’ll Need
• 4 cups water,
½ cucumber, and 1 stalk lemongrass.
Directions
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumber into ribbons. Place cucumber ribbon into pitcher.
• Peel away the rough outer edge of the lemongrass with your hands. Cut in half, lengthwise. Add to the pitcher.
• Fill pitcher with water and give it a little stir. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve and enjoy!
Pineapple and Mint Water
• Because it’s a superfood!
You’ll Need
• Water, 1 cup sliced pineapple,
and a sprig of mint.
Directions
• You can either leave the sprig whole, or remove the mint leaves from the sprig. Either way, be sure to gently bruise them in the palms of your hands before adding them to the pitcher. Add pineapple and water.
Blueberry and Lemon Water
• Blueberries are high in antioxidants and also turn this drink a pretty purple hue.
You’ll Need
• Mix together water, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 sliced lemon, and lavender to garnish. Chill and enjoy!
The Cycle Bistro
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Longitude: E 055° 14.384
Phone: 04 425 6555
