Keep your gut healthy with these summer drinks: From kombucha to kefir, ginger lemon iced tea, coconut water and more
Summer brings with it an array of delightful and refreshing beverages that not only quench your thirst but also support your gut health. Imagine stepping into a world of fizzy teas, creamy elixirs, and vibrant blends, each crafted to nurture your body from within. These drinks are not just ordinary thirst quenchers; they are a symphony of flavors and health benefits that cater to your digestive wellness. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest drinks that can not only taste delicious but is also magical for your gut health and easy digestion (Image: Canva)Kombucha: An ancient drink, kombucha is filled with good bacteria called probiotics, which are important for a healthy gut, says nutritionist Radhika Arora of HealthyEating. It's a fizzy tea that comes in many tasty flavours, like fruity or tangy.Kefir: Packed with good bacteria called probiotics, kefir is made from dairy. Its smooth texture and slightly tangy taste make it a yummy summer drink. You can drink it plain or mix it with fruits, says Arora. When you sip on kefir, you're not just enjoying a tasty treat—you're also giving your gut the good bacteria it needs to stay healthy and balanced (Image: Canva)Lemon Ginger Iced Tea: This cool drink isn't just for summer refreshment; it's secretly good for your digestion too. Lemon and ginger are well-known for helping with digestion. When you drink this tea, your stomach feels soothed and your digestion gets a little help, giving your gut a gentle boost each time you take a sip (Image: Canva)Coconut water: This one isn't just a refreshing drink for hot days but is also full of prebiotics. These are like food for the good bacteria in your gut, helping them grow and stay healthy. Coconut water is also rich in electrolytes, which are great for when you need to replace fluids on a really hot summer day. (Image: Canva)Water Kefir: It is like regular kefir but made with water instead of milk. It's packed with helpful bacteria that are good for your gut. You can make it even tastier by adding fruits like berries or citrus. This yummy drink gives your gut a boost of probiotics to keep it healthy and balanced (Image: Canva)Green smoothies: This green smoothie is packed with things that are good for your gut. When you add a spoonful of yogurt or kefir, it makes it even better for your gut. The fiber from the greens and fruits helps your digestion work well, and the probiotics from the yogurt or kefir keep your gut healthy. It's a tasty way to take care of your tummy (Image: Canva)Aloe Vera Juice: Famous for its soothing and healing abilities, aloe vera juice is a gentle tonic for both your body and your gut. When you mix it with lemon, which is good for digestion, and a touch of honey for sweetness, aloe vera juice becomes a refreshing drink that helps to calm the stomach and keep your digestion feeling good. It's a gentle and refreshing way to support your gut health (Image: Canva)
2024-04-17T07:43:53Z
Best exercises: 7 short but effective routines to reach your fitness goals even with a busy schedule
You might argue that your life is too hectic to fit in exercise, but remember, excuses will not get you far. Prioritising your health is essential, as they say, "health is wealth" for a reason. Spoorthi S, Fitness Expert at Cult shares some quick workouts that are designed especially for you if you are juggling the rigors of a busy lifestyle. "These exercises provide doable ways to maintain an active and motivated lifestyle even in the middle of the workday," says the expert (Image: Canva)Walking: Probably the easiest yet least appreciated type of exercise, the best thing about walking is that it does not take a lot of time, only requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. Moreover, walking can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Take a brisk walk during your lunch break or a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner (Image: Canva)HIIT (High-intensity interval training): Perfect for busy schedules, it involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. These workouts are super effective and keep burning calories even after you are done, thanks to the "afterburn" effect (Image: Canva)Stretching: The simple act of stretching often gets overlooked. However, it is really important for staying flexible and avoiding injuries, especially if you tend to sit a lot. You can stretch almost anywhere – on the couch, at your desk, or while waiting for the kettle to boil. Even just a little bit of stretching each day can help reduce stress, fix your posture, and make you feel better (Image: Canva)Tabata: In just four minutes, Tabata delivers maximum results with 20 seconds of intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for eight rounds. It torches calories, boosts metabolism, and improves cardiovascular fitness, making it perfect for your busy days (Image Canva)Mobility workouts: Your body can suffer from spending a lot of time standing or stooping over a desk. A quick mobility exercise session, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, can significantly reduce the aches and pains that come with leading a busy lifestyle. To increase the range of motion and lessen pain, concentrate on exercises that target the hips, shoulders, and spine; areas that are prone to stiffness (Image: Canva)Running: Put on your shoes and head outside, or onto the treadmill if you have to. Running is a great way to fit in a cardio exercise, even if you only have 20 or 60 minutes to spare. It not only increases heart rate and blood flow, but it also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can improve mood and reduce stress (Image: Unsplash)Full body: A full-body bodyweight workout is your best bet when you are pressed for time. These exercises use only your body weight as resistance to work all of the major muscle groups. Consider exercises like planks, lunges, squats, and push-ups that are all done in a circuit to increase efficiency. They not only increase strength and burn calories, but they also enhance functional fitness, which makes completing daily tasks simpler (Image: Canva)
2024-05-06T09:28:59Z
Exercise tips: 10 healthy drinks that boost stamina, help muscles recover faster
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for optimising performance and supporting recovery during physical activity, whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or engaging in any other exercise. While water is essential, there are occasions when your body requires more than just plain H2O to fuel itself effectively. So, let’s explore 10 hydrating workout drinks that not only quench your thirst but also provide vital nutrients and electrolytes to assist your fitness journey.Coconut water: Coconut water serves as a natural sports drink, delivering a refreshing and hydrating solution packed with electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, says Delhi-based fitness trainer Raghav Goyal. With its low calorie and sugar content, coconut water is an excellent option for replenishing lost fluids during vigorous workouts, maintaining hydration levels, and supporting optimal muscle function (Image: Canva)Watermelon juice: Watermelon juice is a delicious and hydrating choice for fitness enthusiasts, boasting a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This beverage helps combat oxidative stress induced by exercise and contains citrulline, which aids in enhancing endurance and reducing post-workout muscle soreness, says Goyal (Image: Canva)Lemon water: Lemon water provides a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated during workouts. Its vitamin C content boosts immunity, while its natural electrolytes replenish those lost through sweat. Additionally, lemon water supports digestion and detoxification, aiding in flushing out toxins from the body (Image: Canva)Green tea: Green tea serves as an excellent pre-workout drink, offering hydration, antioxidants, and a mild energy boost. The catechins found in green tea enhance fat oxidation and improve endurance, while its anti-inflammatory properties aid in faster post-exercise recovery, reducing muscle soreness and promoting overall well-being (Image: Canva) Tart Cherry Juice: Tart cherry juice is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that facilitate muscle recovery and reduce inflammation after workouts. Studies suggest that tart cherry juice may alleviate muscle soreness, thereby enhancing recovery time between training sessions, says Goyal. Its melatonin content also contributes to improved sleep quality, supporting overall workout performance (Image: Canva)Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a hydrating beverage rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. It supports muscle recovery, immune function, and digestion, making it an ideal choice for post-workout hydration. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate exercise-induced muscle aches, promoting faster recovery and reducing discomfort (Image: Canva)Chia seed water: Chia seed water acts as a natural energy booster due to its omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein content. It sustains energy levels during workouts, promotes satiety, and aids in muscle recovery, suggests Goyal. Chia seeds also regulate blood sugar levels and support digestion, making them a valuable addition to your workout routine (Image: Canva)Chocolate milk: Chocolate milk may seem unconventional, but it's a beneficial post-exercise recovery drink. Its combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and electrolytes replenishes glycogen stores, repairs muscle tissue, and restores hydration levels. Additionally, chocolate milk provides essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and magnesium, supporting bone health and overall recovery (Image: Canva)Fruit-infused water: Fruit-infused water offers a delicious and nutritious way to stay hydrated during workouts. The natural sugars in fruits provide a subtle energy boost, while vitamins and minerals support overall health. Experiment with different fruit combinations to create refreshing beverages that keep you hydrated and motivated throughout your exercise regimen (Image: Canva)
2024-04-29T07:31:27Z
