Functional juices and umami can help hydrate the body during summer | Press

São Paulo, January 2017 – Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach, sunbathe by the pool, go out with friends, and have fun. The season, marked by a typical astronomical phenomenon—the equinox (when the sun’s rays are strongest in areas near the Equator)—ends on March 20. That’s why it’s important to pay special attention to health, especially because of the high temperatures.

In addition to using sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, staying hydrated and replenishing minerals and vitamins is essential to make the most of the season’s pleasures. It’s very important to replace fluids any time of the year: even on mild days, a person loses about two and a half liters of water; on hot summer days, with more intense sweating, the body can lose up to three liters per day.

To help reduce possible complications caused by dehydration, the Umami Committee put together a list of functional, healthy juices that, of course, feature umami. This basic taste of the human palate is a great ally in summer, as it’s one of the reasons foods taste so good. Check out the list:

Carrot
One classic juice for maintaining a tan is carrot juice. In addition to offering the benefits of umami, this vegetable contains vitamins C, B2, B3, and beta-carotene—an antioxidant and vitamin A precursor that’s essential for melanin formation. “For a refreshing touch, a great tip is to add apple and orange,” says Hellen Maluly, PhD in Food Science from the University of Campinas (Unicamp).

Tomato
A benchmark umami fruit, tomato is also a great summer option. Besides being low in calories, it has a high water content and is a source of lycopene, an antioxidant pigment that may help prevent cellular degeneration. “To ensure better lycopene bioavailability, it’s best to cook the tomato a bit before making the juice. Then chill it in the fridge, add some ice, a few drops of lemon, and season to taste,” Hellen advises.

Plum, Orange, and Papaya
Because summer eating often changes due to holidays and parties, constipation is common. So it’s a good idea to go for juices made with plums, oranges, and papaya. Plums are rich in sorbitol, a natural laxative. Oranges provide fiber that supports intestinal function. And papaya contains papain, a natural stimulant of the intestinal mucosa.

Parsley and Ginger
Adding parsley and ginger to juices is a great way to keep your energy up throughout the summer. Parsley has a stimulating effect, and ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with blood circulation.

Spinach
Since summer doesn’t pair well with stress, another tip is to include spinach. This leafy green is rich in tryptophan—a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps improve mood and sleep quality—as well as magnesium, a mineral responsible for relaxing muscles and nerves. It can help ease tension and disconnect from routine. “Some people blend it with just water, but you can add a citrus fruit to improve the taste,” Hellen concludes.

UMAMI

It is the fifth basic taste of the human palate, discovered in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda. It was scientifically recognized in 2000, when researchers at the University of Miami confirmed the existence of specific receptors for this taste on the taste buds. The amino acid glutamic acid and the nucleotides inosinate and guanylate are the main umami substances. The two main characteristics of umami are increased salivation and a lingering taste for a few minutes after eating. To learn more, visit portalumami.com.br.