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NORTH DAKOTA ( KXNET ) — Summer means unwinding, spending time outside, and enjoying refreshing drinks.
But for those who want to be conscious of their gut health, mocktails are a fun way to stay hydrated and support digestive wellness.
Why should you choose gut-healthy mocktails?
They’re a great alternative to sugary or alcoholic drinks. Using ingredients that support digestion and hydration means that you can sip guilt-free and enjoy the flavors.
Another drink that’s emerging is the “Sleepy Girl Mocktails” — which claims to aid relaxation and promote better sleep — and people are wondering if they’re beneficial.
These drinks feature tart cherry juice and magnesium powder. Tart cherry juice does contain melatonin and anti-inflammatory properties and magnesium acts as a natural muscle relaxant.
7 free ways to beat the heat and boredom Incorporating both into your bedtime routine can provide benefits, but they’re not a guaranteed solution for sleep issues.
Here are four creative and nutritious mocktail recipes from Gastro MD that your taste buds and gut will love.
- Cucumber Basil Cooler
- Ingredients: Fresh cucumber slices, basil leaves, lime juice, and sparkling water
- Benefits: Cucumber hydrates and soothes. Basil supports digestion. Lime provides Vitamin C for immune support.
- Berry Bliss Spritzer
- Ingredients: Mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, etc.), coconut water, splash of lemon juice
- Benefits: Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber which help with gut health and reduce inflammation. Coconut water adds electrolytes for hydration.
- Pineapple Ginger Refresher
- Ingredients: Pineapple chunks, ginger slices, coconut milk, sparkling water
- Benefits: Pineapple contains digestive enzymes and Vitamin C. Ginger aids digestion and reduces nausea. Coconut milk adds healthy fats.
- Herbal Citrus Infusion
- Ingredients: Herbal tea (chamomile or mint), citrus slices (lemon, orange), honey (optional), sparkling water
- Benefits: Herbal tea calms the stomach. Citrus fruits provide Vitamin C. Honey (if used) offers prebiotic benefits for gut flora.
Some fun facts about gut health and summer mocktails include:
Top 10 songs and artists for getting sober through music - Benefits of hydration
- It’s crucial for digestive health, especially in warm months. Mocktails with coconut water are not just refreshing but replenish electrolytes.
- Fiber and digestive wellness
- Berries are rich in fiber which promotes healthy digestion by supporting bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Role of antioxidants
- Berries and citrus fruit are high in antioxidants, which combat stress and inflammation in the gut.
- Importance of fresh ingredients
- Using fresh fruit and herbs maximizes their nutrient content and flavor.
- Gut microbiota support
- Some ingredients (like honey) act as prebiotics that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote a balanced microbiome.
Here are some tips for mocktails that are gut-healthy:
- Use fresh ingredients to maximize flavors and nutritional benefits.
- Experiment by mixing and matching ingredients to make mocktails that suit your dietary needs and tastes.
- Mocktails contribute to daily fluid intake which is essential for hydration in the summer months.
These gut-healthy drinks can elevate summer gatherings while promoting digestive well-being, staying cool and hydrated, and feeling fantastic.
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