Cucumber Lime and Chia Fresca is a minty refreshing cooler you’d want all summer long. With fresh cucumbers, freshly-squeezed lime juice, and superfood chia, this aqua fresca is a healthy and delicious way to hydrate!

Apart from tasting delicious, this drink uses ingredients which individually provide numerous health benefits. Lets take a look:

Chia Seeds:
Chia seeds has as much calcium as a glass of milk, more Omega-3s than a serving of walnuts, and as many antioxidants as blueberries. It is one of the highly nutritious seed. It helps in reducing blood pressure due to an antioxidant called chlorogenic acid that it contains. Chia seeds contain an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is good for cardiac health (heart health) and also plays a role in supporting strong, healthy bones. They also include several important micronutrients, including:

  • calcium
  • iron
  • magnesium
  • phosphorus
  • zinc
  • B vitamins

Cucumber:
Cucumber has great skin benefits plus it’s full of water which keeps you hydrated all day long. This also helps your body to flush out toxins therefore helps with a healthy complexion.
They also contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease. To top it off, being low in calories & high in water it also aids in weight loss.

Basil Leaves:
Basil help with your digestion and can also help cure headaches. Consumption of basil could also result in slow release of sugar in the blood, which is very essential for diabetics. The essential oil present in basil also helps cut down triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which is a persistent risk factor amongst diabetics.

Lemons:
One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI) and contains several beneficial plant compounds that help in lowering cholesterol.
Lemons are a natural detoxifier. They help to cleanse the body by flushing out toxins, whilst also boosting your immune system and aiding better digestion.

Mint leaves:
Mint leaves are known as an amazing appetizer. Mint leaves promote digestion (by stimulating digestive enzymes) and boost metabolism and in turn also helps in losing weight.
Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion. In addition to that, the powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of mint leaves are effective in treating acne and lowers the inflammation and redness associated with acne outbursts.

Cuisine: Indian ; Category: Beverage
Preparation Time- 5 minutes ; Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 cucumbers (medium sized; remove skin if it tastes bitter)
  • ½ cup fresh basil
  • ½ cup fresh mint
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked)
  • Water (depending on the desired consistency)
  • Ice cubes (optional)

How to make:
1) Process the cucumber, mint leaves, basil leaves, lemon juice and ice through a juicer or blender
2) Pour into a glass and stir in the soaked chia seeds.
3) Serve with a straw and a thin slice of lemon and enjoy!