Health:-- Take a chill fill

It's that time of the year when the mercury soars. Going out in the
scorching sun can leave you drained and it is vital to maintain body
hydration. Apart fromthe regular intake of water,doctors recommend
natural fruit juices and drinks. They are quick quenchers with ample
nutrients and are better than aerated soft drinks with chemical
preservatives and artificial flavours. A. Shrikumar looks into the
nutritional value and health benefits of some of them.
Palmyra Fruit (Nongu) and Pathaneer
Pathaneer and nongu are fast catching up with the city people. Many
kiosks, including government-run ones, have sprung up along the main
roads. It tastes good and is light on the pocket.
Nutritional value: Kal nongus (ripe fruits) and pathaneer are rich in
carbohydrate and moisturecontent. They provide plenty of minerals such
as calcium, phosphorous and iron, along with fibres and proteins to
the body. The fruit contains Vitamins A, B and C in the form of
ascorbic acid. It is perfect for the figure-conscious as it contains
zero fat.
Health benefits: The pulp is highly nutritious and thefibrous outer
layer mitigates body heat. Application of pathaneer on the body cures
boils, rashes and dermatitis.
Cucumber
Best known as the base of salads, cucumber helps youinstantly regain
lost energy. It is also a great snack.
Nutritional value: Cucumber has 96 per cent water that is more
nutritious than regular water. Its low calorie content makes it an
ideal diet for people looking to lose weight. Vitamins such as
thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and Vit.B9, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorous, potassium, zinc and iron are the major constituents.
Health benefits: Extremelyhelpful in keeping the body hydrated and
regulating body temperature. It also helps in flushing out toxins,
controls blood pressure, is beneficial for teeth and gums, promotes
joint health, and stimulates hair and nail growth.
Watermelon
The juicy, red slices of watermelon are ideal snack options on a hot
summer's day.
Nutritional value: A wide range of minerals like fluoride, iron,
sodium, magnesium and potassium, optimum sugar and dietary fibres, and
alsotraces of vital vitamins are present. These strengthen the immune
system and keep infections at bay. Watermelon is also a concentrated
source of carotenoids, which preventthe formation of cancer cells.
Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, watermelons can neutralise free
radicals in body and reduce the riskof colon cancer and heart attacks.
It reduces airway spasms in asthma patients.Beta carotene in
watermelon sharpens eyesight. Apart from regulating salt content in
the blood, it also eases inflammations and prevents diabetes.
Tender coconut
One of the most easily available cooling options on the roadside,
tender coconut tops the list. Though the price has increased, it
continues to be the first pick on a hot day. Nutritional value: Both
the flesh and water oftender coconut contain high moisture. Good
amount of protein, fat, sugar, dietary fibre, potassium, iron and
Vitamin C are also present, apart from the calories thatcan keep you
brisk round the clock.
Health benefits: Keeps the body cool, kills intestinal worms, checks
urinary infections, promotes growth, cures malnourishment and is
effective in the treatment of kidney and urethral stones.
Buttermilk
There's nothing like our good old home-made 'mor'to beat the heat.
Best served chilled in earthen pots with a hint of pudina, lemon,
coriander leaves and cumin seeds, buttermilk definitely lifts your
spirits on a hot day.
Nutritional value: Replete with the most absorbable form of Vitamin A,
E and K, lauric acid and lecithin. It isalso a vital source of the
mineral selenium, has high anti-oxidant content and saturated fats,
protein, calcium and iodine.
Health benefits: Primarily cures thyroid and adrenal problems, fungal
infections, regulates cholesterol metabolism, protects arteries,
boosts immunity and builds muscles.

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