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The summer is indeed upon us and it is hot as never before. So, we have to find ways to keep hydrated and Cool. Here is one of our recipes in the series of ‘Beat the Summer Heat.’ For this recipe, all you need is pineapple, cucumber, ginger and your preferred sweetener. Having this drink around this summer will help keep you cool and hydrated and provide some awesome nutrients.  Try it nuh!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small pineapple/2 cups pineapple slices.
• 1 large cucumber.
• ½ ounce of ginger.
• ½ cup maple syrup/ brown sugar.
• 2 cups water (to start).

INSTRUCTIONS

• Peel and slice Pineapple into bite-size pieces.
• Peel and dice the cucumber into small pieces. You can also peel and remove the seeds if desired as that helps to reduce lectins (a substance that may inhibit the proper digestion of nutrients).
• Remove the skins and dice the ginger into small pieces.
• Add the peeled and sliced fruits, vegetables, and spices to a blender.
• Add water and sweetener.
• Blend until smooth.
• Strain the mixture into a preferred container.
• Taste for sweetness etc.
• Serve on ice and Enjoy!

Notes:

You can repeat the blending for a second time with the strained pulps. This can help to increase the amount of juice.  Also, if you do not have a whole pineapple on hand, frozen ones will do just fine.  But I had one on hand, and I just used it as it does give the juice that fresh appeal.

As per the ginger, liquid or powdered ginger can be used, just use ½ tsp at first, and build upon that if desired.  You can use a Juicer if you have one.  I do not, so a regular blender was used. Additionally, you can bottle and freeze any remainder for later. It will be extra refreshing!

You can also enjoy this other refreshing recipe: 

• A Smarter Green Smoothie – A Smarter Way to Enjoy Your Nutrients!

Ingredient Spotlight!

~ Cucumber~

Cucumber, which is usually consumed as a fruit, is botanically a fruit that belongs to the same family as watermelon and pumpkin etc.  The fruit contains about 95% water and many nutrients that make it a widely used commercial fruit/vegetable.

Some of the nutrients in cucumber include vitamins A, some B’s, and C, K, etc., along with many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium among others.

Cucumbers purportedly may help to promote gut and heart health as well as blood sugar.  Importantly, it is high in electrolytes and thus helps with dehydration.  Hence it is a good choice for keeping the body hydrated while still maintaining great health.

To good health!

How was it?

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