I’ve been waiting for over a month to share this super cooling, hydrating, and refreshing summer beverage. The temperatures have been really heating up, and it looks like this weekend is going to be a scorcher in our neck of the woods. Move over Gatorade. This frosty watermelon drink will help you cool down naturally, replenish lost nutrients from sweating, and will make your skin glow! I absolutely love this slushy after a hot run; it’s packed full of ultra-hydrating ingredients and electrolytes, and will cool you down in a flash.

This spring I’ve been playing around with fresh aloe vera leaves, and this is one of the resulting creations. I love pure aloe vera gel as a light skin moisturizer and fresh addition to homemade face masks and beauty treatments. Most of us have applied aloe-containing products for minor burns or sunburns, but it has many other uses. It not only helps clear acne, but it also plumps up the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, without being greasy or heavy. I’ve even used it in my hair, as a light fly-away tamer. While I love using it topically, I’m starting to appreciate it’s benefits internally as well.

One of my favorite parts of writing for the blog is researching and sharing information on the health benefits of plant foods. There is a lot of talk about super foods, and you can spend a small fortune on fancy powders and exotic ingredients, but in reality, you can find super powers in every plant food. That’s why a plant-based diet is so wonderful for your health and beauty! Most of the ingredients in this slushy are common ingredients you can find in your regular grocery store. I can periodically find aloe vera leaves for around $1 each in the produce section in my favorite local grocery store, but I’m considering growing and keeping my own plant. You can also substitute aloe vera juice if you can’t find the leaves.

 

Check out the super stars in this summer slushy:

Watermelon:

• 92% water content makes it super hydrating
• one of the richest sources of cancer fighting lycopene (more than a raw tomato)
• rich in the amino acid citrulline, which may help reduce fat and aid in weight loss
• good source of antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C
• fights inflammation
• cooling

Cucumbers:

• one of the best veggies for hydration with a 95% water content
• cools you down from the inside out
• features healthy skin minerals silicon, magnesium, and potassium
• flushes toxins; great for kidney health
• aids in weight loss
• contains cucurbitacins, which studies show can block the activity of cancer cells
• contains lignans which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and may also prevent cancer

Coconut Water:

• excellent for hydration, also contains electrolytes
• excellent source of potassium; can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health
• helps remove toxins from the body
• may help reduce the effects of stress, relaxes muscles and reduces tension

Pure Aloe Vera Gel (from the aloe leaf)

• contains powerful anti-bacterial and antioxidant compounds
• improves digestion and will keep you regular
• detoxifies and alkalizes the body
• boosts the immune system
• may provide relief for those with irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux
• best consumed in small amounts, for limited periods of time (you can easily over do it, so I would make it a once-in-a-while addition, see notes below the recipe)

I absolutely love how I feel after sipping this frosty, revitalizing drink! Using perfectly ripe watermelons will yield the tastiest, naturally sweet slushy. Add lime juice for a shot of invigorating tart flavor.

Watermelon Cucumber Slushy

A sugar-free, naturally hydrating, and cooling beverage for summer!

makes 2 servings

• 2 + 1/2 cups frozen watermelon cubes
• 1 medium organic cucumber, peeled if desired, and chopped (note: the peels supply plenty of nutrients)
• 1 + 1/2 cups no sugar added coconut water or you can use filtered water
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, scraped from the inside of an aloe vera leaf, or substitute aloe vera juice (see note below about aloe consumption)
• juice of one lime, optional

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Note: Aloe vera gel and juice is best consumed in small amounts, and for limited periods of time. If you’re pregnant or nursing, err on the side of caution and do not consume it. Check with your doctor if you have any existing health conditions. Aloe vera gel has powerful medicinal and detoxifying properties, and should not be eaten every day for prolonged periods of time. While it is very healing, over-use can lead to imbalances and may have a laxative effect. Listen to your body. I only buy one leaf every once in a while for this reason (once a month or less). The slushy is extremely healthy and hydrating without it too, and you are welcome to leave it out altogether. I often make it without the aloe. Consider adding it only occasionally for a health and beauty boost.

 

Resources and references:

http://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/

https://authoritynutrition.com/8-proven-health-benefits-of-aloe-vera/

http://www.whfoods.com/

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283006.php

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20709014_9,00.html

http://draxe.com/electrolyte-imbalance/

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/16-superb-health-benefits-of-cucumber.html

http://draxe.com/is-coconut-water-good-for-you/

Please note I am not a physician, this blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or condition.