Drinks to stay hydrated this winter

Shahnaz Husain *

Did you know lack of water in the body during winter can also affect your immunity ?

Dry, dull skin is a frequent wintertime concern, and we often overlook the necessity of staying hydrated as our thirst responses diminish during winter. We forget to drink water since it is so cold outside, and we end up feeling dehydrated as a result.

Dehydration can cause a drop in metabolism, feeling sluggish, headaches, fatigue, and irregular bowel. Of course, you probably already know that ample hydration is essential—but have you considered that you can hydrate with more than just plain old water ?

The good part is that there are many delicious and healthy beverages that play a major role in the health of your skin and which serve as excellent alternatives while fulfilling your hydration needs just as well.

These hydrating drinks supply a whole lot of electrolytes, sodium, vitamin, probiotics, and minerals along with a burst of flavors. In fact, there are a few nutrient-rich beverages that may be able to take your skin to the next level if you sip on them regularly.

In order to stay hydrated during the winter, try these drinks :

Coconut Water-----Coconut water is, undoubtedly, the best hydrating drink. Coconut water hydrates your body instantly because it contains a lot of electrolytes. It's packed with nutrients that can help your skin glow and helps keep your skin looking plump and youthful.

It is low in calories and rich in potassium and is known to have better hydrating qualities than plain water. It is also energizing in nature which makes it a healthier substitute for packaged sports or energy drinks. This tasty beverage contains hyaluronic acid, which can be a total game changer when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and glowing.

Apart from herbal drinks, we can have hot drinks in winter, instead of tea and coffee. Why not try herb teas or soups ? They are natural and caffeine-free, so you don't have to worry. They not only help in keeping you hydrated by also calm your tired nerves and relax your mind.

In Ayurveda, ginger is known as “a universal remedy” because it has so many benefits. Ginger boiled in water can be had as ginger tea. Ginger tea is advised after meals for digestion and is used in coughs and colds.

It has anti-inflammatory properties too and keeps the skin clear of acne and other blemishes. You can also add spices to tea, like Cardamon (elaichi) and Cinnamon (dalchini). Black pepper and tulsi, for instance, are also said to be useful in coughs, colds and respiratory congestion.

Remember to not go overboard with teas and limit yourself to 2 cups maximum.

Drinking hot soups can be delicious during winter. They can be easily made by boiling vegetables in water. You can make a mixed vegetable soup with potatoes, carrots, turnip, peas, tomato and so on. Or you can make a spinach soup (palak). Fresh mushrooms, available in winter, make good soups too, especially if you add a little milk. After boiling the vegetables, strain and puree the vegetables in a mixer.

Then add it back to the water. Add salt and black pepper, along with a little milk to make it tasty and more wholesome. In spinach soup, you can add a dash of lemon juice. Grated cheese also makes a tasty addition to vegetable soups.

Herbal drinks are an ideal alternative to beverages like tea and coffee. You can make delicious thirst quenchers out of herbal drinks, fresh fruits, and vegetables. If one selects fresh fruit or vegetable juices, without adding sugar, it is possible to have a low-calorie drink.

Fresh juices and herbal drinks can cause detoxification of the body, by getting rid of toxins and wastes. They can cleanse the body and purify the blood. They can also provide excellent nourishment. Freshly extracted juices of fruits and vegetables, mixed with water, are very easily assimilated by the body.

Here are some drinks you can make at home

Lemon water: A glass of lemon water first thing in the morning ensures youthful, glowing skin. A drink loaded with beauty benefits, lemon water or a glass of good old nimbu paani is probably one of the most hydrating drinks. You must have lemon water daily made with the juice of two lemons and a pinch of rock salt. Rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, it fights acne, radical damage, and sensitive skin problems like redness and rash.

Lemon and Mint (Pudina) : Crush mint leaves and allow it to stand in boiled hot water for an hour. When the water is cool, add lemon juice and ice, to make a refreshing drink. You may add a dash of honey and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rock salt or chaat masala can be added, instead of salt and pepper.

Pineapple and Orange juice : These two fruits make a delicious drink when used together. You can use freshly extracted juices of fresh pineapple and orange. Remember to dilute with water. Pineapple contains enzymes and helps digestion. Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C.

Tomato-carrots-cucumber : Use tomato juice and add freshly extracted carrot and cucumber juices. Add a stalk of celery and run it in the blender. Add a squeeze of lemon.

Tomato and Mint : To tomato juice, add a few crushed mint leaves, sugar to taste (optional), pinch of salt. You may also add a dash of lemon juice.

Pineapple Juice can be combined with cream of coconut (coconut milk). Add pineapple and orange juice to green coconut water. A squeeze of lemon juice can be added for flavor.

Both drinks and soups help the body to stay hydrated and healthy, adding a glow to the skin.