5 Nutrient Dense Drinks to Jazz up your mornings !

The often repeated saying “we are what we eat” is actually a scientifically proven fact. Our health and complexion are a direct reflection of our diet and nutrition. In particular, the very first thing we consume when we get out of bed can have a massive impact on our overall nutritional level.

After 6-8 hours of sleep, our bodies are slightly dehydrated and require water. Therefore, our first intake should have high water content. With the right choice of morning drink, we are also able to boost our immunity, detoxification, skin health, energy, metabolism, weight loss and many more. A healthy choice in morning drink is the first and easiest step towards a healthier lifestyle and will set the tone for the entire day!!

The best morning drinks which can be consumed on an empty stomach are listed below:

ALOEVERA JUICE

Out of 400 species of aloevera, only 3-4 are non-poisonous, and the only edible one is "Aloe Barbadensis miller".

The benefits of aloevera were discovered in ancient times and since then it has been used in the preparations of ayurvedic medicines, tonics and ointment. The inner leaf gel of aloevera plant is where most of the curative and medicinal properties of the plant lie. It provides nourishment to the body both internally as well as externally. No other plant more closely matches the biochemistry of the human body. Its juice comes loaded with a bevy of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help heal stomach and digestive disorders and in turn boost metabolism.

The aloevera juice also contributes to the prevention and healing of malignant cells. It also serves medicinal benefits for skin, scalp, hair, immune system, stomach, liver, intestines and also has antiseptic properties.

The juice acts as a laxative and therefore not recommended for pregnant women and those with sensitive bowels.

Regularly consuming 1 glass of aloevera juice in the early morning can do wonders for our body!!

Recipe

• 1 Aloevera Leaf
• 1 glass of water

Wash the Aloe Vera Leaf in water. With a sharp knife, cut the aloevera leaf through the middle in two. Scrape out the gel. Take about 1 teaspoon of the gel and dilute it in 1 glass of water. Mix well and consume. The remainder can be stored in the fridge for a week and can be used for facemasks, or applied over wounds. You can also freeze the gel in ice cube trays and pop it in a drink or apply the frozen cube over the face as an instant moisturizer for your skin.

FERMENTED RICE WATER

Recipe

• 1 Tablespoon left over rice (room temperature)
• 1 glass water
• Clay Pot

Put the rice in the clay pot and add water. Cover the vessel and soak the rice in the water for 10-12 hours (preferably overnight). The next day, transfer the contents to a glass and consume.

YOGURT AND DATES SMOOTHIE

Dates are high fiber food which contain 3.3 grams of fiber for every 5 dates. The Fiber content is mostly in the form of soluble fiber which helps us feel full for a longer period of time & aids digestion. Fiber is therefore a very important part of a healthy diet. Dates are also rich in sugar, salts, minerals, proteins and vitamin C, B1 and A, while yogurt is a good source of calcium,protein and probiotics. Generally, yogurt is a very good option for weight loss and digestive health. A yogurt that is made out of low - fat milk and does not contain any added sugar is the best for a healthy body. It also helps reduce certain gastrointestinal infections.

So a dates-yogurt smoothie consumed in the morning fulfills the body's requirement of essential vitamins, minerals, calcium and probiotics and curbs hunger for the major part of the day. Also it clears and cleans the internal digestive tract!

Recipe:

• Take 4-5 dates (khajur) seedless
• 2 peeled and chopped bananas
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup low fat milk
• 2 pinches cinnamon powder
• Ice cubes (optional)

Blend the above ingredients properly until combined well. Consume chilled

"PICONUT" SPA WATER

Piconut is a Pineapple - Coconut water. It is the healthiest water on planet. It is said that "Have breakfast king size and dinner like a beggar", the same way it is advised to have water like a whale and soda like a fish!!

Spa water is a trendy way of labelling water infused with fruits and herbs. In this case, we go a step further and substitute plain water with coconut water. The fruit and herbs enhance flavour and health advantages of the coconut water. Pineapples are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin A, C, B5, B6, potassium, copper, calcium, manganese, sodium, magnesium, folate and are an excellent source of fiber. The coconut water is a natural electrolyte, contains amino acids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants and has low calorie count. Coconut water is thus the preferred drink for athletes and gym addicts.

Piconut Spa Water:

• Decreases appetite
• Boosts healthy digestion
• Boosts immunity
• Balances the pH level of the body
• Gives glowing skin
• Perfect mood regulator

Recipe

• 1 Tender Coconut
• 1 Cup Pinapples
• Ice cubes (optional)

Blend 300 ml of coconut water with 1 cup of diced pineapples and ice cubes (optional). Leave it aside for 10-15 minutes.

Piconut water consumed early morning gives energy and keeps you fresh both physically and mentally throughout the day.

ALMOND MILK

Almond milk has been consumed since time immemorial, but has become much more trendy lately. It is perfect for those with lactose intolerance or those who simply don't like the taste of regular milk.

One cup of almond milk contains 60 calories as opposed to 146 calories in whole milk. It is a great substitute that will help lose or maintain weight. There is no cholesterol or saturated fat in almond milk. It is low in sodium and high in omega fatty acids which prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. One serving offers 30% of calcium and 25% of vitamin D requirements which are important in reducing the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis, improving the immune function and formation of healthy bones and teeth or young children. Almond milk contains 1 gram of fiber per serving, which is important for healthy digestion. It barely impacts the blood sugar and it is low in carbs with a low glycemic index, i.e. the body will use the carbs as energy, so the sugars aren't stored as fats. It contains 50% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, having properties essential to skin's health like protection against sun damage!

Jagerry (also called “Gur” in hindi) is basically unprocessed sugar and therefore a perfect substitute for sugar. It is also a superb cleansing agent for the body. It is a good option for those seeking weight loss and controlling sugar levels. Due to its richness in many essential nutrients, it is an effective natural treatment for menstrual problems, specially providing relief from cramps. It also activates the digestive enzymes in the body and helps prevent constipation.

Recipe:

• Soak 1 cup of almonds overnight
• 1 glass water
• 1 Teaspoon Jaggery

Peel and grind the soaked almonds with little water. Add shredded jaggery for taste when the almonds are half ground and grind it again. Blend the paste with a glass of water . You can consume it as it is (Pulpy milk) or just strain it and drink the pulp free milk. Add 4-5 strands of saffron to enhance the flavour and taste. It is a magical drink which will do wonders for the body.

Sources-

• Food.ndtv.com
• Indiatoday.in
• Healthline.com
• Health.com