Sheena Patel
Who doesn’t love sipping on a refreshing summer drink? While summer beverages are delicious, they often tend to be high in added sugars and calories. One of AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations is to limit consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, as regular consumption of sugary beverages can cause weight gain and obesity. Overweight and obesity can increase your probability of developing 12 different types of cancer.
Another Cancer Prevention Recommendation is to limit alcohol consumption. So while summer cocktails are a popular choice, for cancer prevention it’s best not to drink alcohol. Consuming alcohol is directly linked to 6 different cancers.
But don’t be disappointed! There are creative ways that you can enjoy a healthy summer drink that will not only leave your taste buds satisfied but may also help protect against cancer. Check out a few of AICR’s summer beverage recipes that are filled with fruits, veggies and herbs and are low in added sugars.
Celery Rosemary Tonic
Photo by Sharon Palmer
Cool, herbal, vegetable-infused beverages are front and center this summer. Simple beverages filled with puréed vegetables are a great way to hydrate while getting important servings of veggies in your diet. This healthful tonic includes celery, lemon juice and rosemary and only 1 teaspoon of agave or maple syrup to mildly sweeten this green drink. You can feel good about enjoying a Celery Rosemary Tonic on a hot summer day, as the ingredients provide you with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Orange Cream Shake
Photo by Sharon Palmer
Turn to the flavorful combination of oranges, bananas and yogurt to create a healthier version of an Orange Creamsicle. By using just five ingredients, you can create a smooth, rich, fruit-filled smoothie. Citrus fruits are packed with antioxidants and health-protective compounds and bananas offer a sweet, creamy flavor to replace added sugars in this recipe.
Ginger Pink Lemonade
Photo by Sharon Palmer
The spicy sweetness of ginger pairs beautifully in a tart lemonade, softened with red berries that lend a pretty pink shade and sweet flavor. With only a touch of agave nectar, the berries offer the bulk of the natural sweetness to compliment the lemons in this thirst-quenching beverage.
Rhubarb Orange Refresher
Cool off with this unique refresher infused with rhubarb, orange, strawberry and mint. Muddled strawberries and rhubarb add a healthy dose of vitamin C and a nice color to this summery drink.
Limit your consumption of sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages this summer and enjoy these healthier options instead. You can also explore AICR’s Healthy Recipes library for more beverages to sip on. Cheers!
