July 31, 2019
Written by Lia Threat
Published in Wellness

Replace Soda with Herbal Drinks to Cool the Body

Replace Soda with Herbal Drinks to Cool the Body

By Lia Threat

Click aqui para español- > Cambia las sodas por bebidas herbales para refrescar el cuerpo

Why drink soda when you can prepare a simple drink with nutritious ingredients?

Many different herbs and foods are known as cooling foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda (traditional medicine with origins in India).

One of those well known in Central America and throughout Mexico is the hibiscus flower. Hibiscus, also known as ‘Flor de Jamaica’ is a cooling herb and making a tea with hibiscus or even using hibiscus tea as a base for lemonade is a great way to cool the body on a hot day.

Make sure to ditch the sugar and try a natural sweetener like honey or stevia. Hibiscus is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and may even contribute to lower blood pressure.

Another one of my favorite drinks with roots in Colombia is ‘limonada de coco.’ Think limeade meets coconut! Usually, it is blended coconut cream, ice, lime juice, and sugar. This drink can be modified to add mint and make it extra refreshing! Again, try using low-glycemic coconut sugar, stevia, or honey.

Mint is also a cooling herb and blending it with coconut milk, and lime juice makes for a great drink! The healthy fat in coconut is a great way to satisfy cravings, while the natural oils in mint may aid digestion. You get a boost of vitamin C from the lime as well as essential minerals from the coconut like manganese, selenium, and copper.

If you crave something carbonated, try blending fresh fruit and adding flavored sparkling water.

My favorite combination is passionfruit sparkling water with fresh mango! A great way to get in a serving of vitamin A. Try the recipe below and tag us!