Many of us have favourite food pairings that we enjoy above all others. For instance, corn and cheese, chilli and garlic, apple and cinnamon. These flavour combinations can be savoured in the form of different kinds of treats. When it comes to drinks, there are also particular pairings that work well in multiple instances. One great example is the melange of mint, honey and lemon. This combination not only provides refreshment, but also essential nutrients, when consumed in the right way. Here's a look at its top benefits, as well as the different healthy and delicious ways to incorporate it into drinks.
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Why The Mint-Honey-Lemon Combination Is Good For You:
Mint:
Mint can help treat digestive issues. Photo Credit: iStock
Mint is nothing short of a miracle ingredient, especially for digestive health. It is known to provide relief from acidity, indigestion as well as conditions like IBS. Mint is a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. It is also said to be good for your skin, oral health, brain function and mental health.
Honey:
Honey is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that are good for your body. It is widely considered to be a better alternative to refined sugar, especially for diabetics. However, it is important to note that this applies to pure honey. You need to be careful about where you source it from, as packaged honey tends to contain added sugar. As always, moderation is recommended, irrespective of which kind you use.
Lemon:
Lemon provides a wonderful dose of vitamin C, which is great for heart health and immunity. It is also known to aid weight loss, improve digestion and prevent anaemia by enhancing iron absorption. They are full of plant compounds that can contribute to your overall well-being.
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Here Are 4 Easy And Healthy Mint-Honey-Lemon Drink Recipes:
1. Zesty Coconut Water:
Photo Credit: iStock
We all know that coconut water is one of the most nutritious natural drinks out there. If you're bored of drinking it plain, give it a zesty twist by choosing this unique cooler. Fresh coconut water is blended with mint leaves, honey, lemon and ice to make this rejuvenating beverage. Find the full recipe here.
2. Honey Ginger Lemonade:
A fourth ingredient that goes very well with this trio is ginger. It complements the taste and also provides a number of health benefits of its own. Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It is known to improve digestion, combat nausea, lower bad cholesterol and may even help manage diabetes. You should definitely try this honey ginger lemonade that also contains the goodness of mint. This recipe uses club soda/ sparkling water to get an extra hint of refreshment. Click here for detailed instructions. If you want a detox drink, make it with regular water.
3. Cucumber Mint Mocktail
Add a bit of cucumber to your summer drinks. Photo Credit: iStock
This drink adds yet another wholesome and cooling ingredient to the above: cucumber. This water-rich veggie is known to provide natural hydration and essential nutrients. All you have to do is blend diced cucumbers, honey, ginger, mint leaves, water and lemon juice with or without ice. Here's the complete recipe.
For maximum benefits, remember to choose unsweetened club soda/ sparkling water. Research has not found any significant health risks associated with plain club soda. Some people may face issues such as bloating, but in general, sparkling water is not bad for you. It may even promote feelings of satiety, which can help with weight management.
4. Ginger Lemon Tea
You can also savour this flavour combination in the form of a hot beverage. This simple concoction requires ginger, mint, lemon juice, honey and water. Tea leaves are optional. This ginger tea can especially help when you have a cold, cough or flu-like infection. Check out the recipe and benefits here.
Now you know how to enjoy the mint-honey-lemon trio in any season!
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Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.