As summer temperatures rise, maintaining hydration becomes even more critical. One delicious and creative way to help meet your hydration needs is through nutritious and healthy popsicles. In this blog post, we'll explore five healthful popsicle recipes, the benefits of their ingredients, and how these icy treats can also help calm the vagus nerve and reduce stress.
1. Berry and Yogurt Popsicles
Ingredients: Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), plain yogurt, a touch of honey.
Brain & Body Benefits: Berries are rich in antioxidants that protect brain health and boost memory. Yogurt provides probiotics to support gut health, which is linked to mood regulation. The natural sugars in honey offer a quick energy boost.
Supplies Needed: Popsicle molds, blender.
Directions: Blend berries, yogurt, and honey until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze until solid.
2. Green Tea and Lemon Popsicles
Ingredients: Green tea, lemon juice, honey.
Brain & Body Benefits: Green tea contains catechins, potent antioxidants that can cross the blood-brain barrier and have neuroprotective effects. Lemon provides vitamin C, vital for immune health.
Supplies Needed: Popsicle molds, teapot.
Directions: Brew the green tea and let it cool. Mix in lemon juice and honey, pour into molds, and freeze.
3. Watermelon and Mint Popsicles
Ingredients: Watermelon, mint leaves.
Brain & Body Benefits: Watermelon is over 90% water, helping with hydration, and also provides vitamins A and C. Mint can aid digestion and has calming properties.
Supplies Needed: Popsicle molds, blender.
Directions: Blend watermelon and mint leaves until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.
4. Coconut and Pineapple Popsicles
Ingredients: Coconut water, pineapple chunks.
Brain & Body Benefits: Pineapple contains bromelain, which aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut water is packed with electrolytes for hydration.
Supplies Needed: Popsicle molds, blender.
Directions: Blend coconut water and pineapple chunks until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.
5. Ginger and Peach Popsicles
Ingredients: Ginger root, peaches, water, honey.
Brain & Body Benefits: Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C. Ginger can help with digestion and reduce inflammation.
Supplies Needed: Popsicle molds, blender.
Directions: Blend ginger, peaches, water, and honey until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze.
The cold sensation of popsicles can stimulate the vagus nerve, the primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate stress and anxiety. This stimulation, coupled with the slow, mindful act of eating a popsicle, can promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
While popsicles can assist with hydration, it's essential to note that they are not a substitute for drinking fluids, particularly water. Consuming a variety of hydration sources can help keep your body and brain functioning optimally during the hot summer months. Enjoy these nutritious popsicles as part of your summer hydration routine!
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