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Now that the posadas and Christmas parties are around the corner, it's a good time to learn more about the Christmas punch, a hot drink that is essential for the celebrations. Since it contains a variety of fruits, punch is ideal for the cold season, as it provides health benefits.
Although it is a drink that cannot be missed during the posadas and other December festivities, it is worth mentioning that Christmas punch is not 100% Mexican, as it is the result of the fusion between indigenous and European gastronomy. Experts point out that punch originated in India, later being brought to England and subsequently to Mexico.
Ingredients for Christmas punch
In Mexico, the traditional
fruit punch is prepared with the following ingredients:
- Cane
- Apple
- Pear
- Guava
- Tejocote
- Tamarind
- Dried plum
- Hibiscus
- Piloncillo
- Cinnamon
- Clove
You can also read: The multiple benefits of consuming tamarindVitamins in punch
The punch is not only a comforting drink, it is also full of health benefits. According to the
Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, this traditional Mexican drink is rich in
vitamin A,
B complex vitamins, and
vitamin C. Below we explain why it is important to consume foods rich in these vitamins.
Vitamin A
Remember that
vitamin A plays a valuable role in the human body, especially concerning vision, bone health, and the immune system. Moreover, this vitamin is also rich in
antioxidants, which combat free radicals.
Vitamin B
Take advantage of the properties of
vitamin B! This vitamin, also known as folic acid, is essential for the creation of new cells, which is why it is crucial for pregnant women to consume it.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is essential in your diet, as it is indispensable for the growth and development of the human body. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, vitamin C is also needed for the generation of skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Moreover, it also helps in wound healing.
Remember that this nutrient is rich in antioxidants, improves iron absorption, and strengthens bones and teeth.
You can also read: Learn about the benefits of eating tejocote
Benefits of drinking fruit punch
In an interview with the National Autonomous University of Mexico, researcher Agustín López stated that punch “provides vitamins, minerals, and the additional properties of each fruit such as the
plum, which, due to its high fiber content, improves digestion; while tejocote, guava, and tamarind are rich in vitamin C. Another very important element that the fruits contain is polyphenolic antioxidants.” Below, we tell you more about its incredible health benefits.
Punch against the flu
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, vitamin C is essential when combating colds. Although it is believed that this vitamin cures the flu, this is not true. However, vitamin C will help reduce the duration of the illness.
If you want your punch to be rich in this vitamin, remember to add a large amount of
guavas and
tejocotes.
Forget about constipation
If you want to say goodbye to constipation, the best thing is to include a good amount of
apple,
tamarind, guava, and plum in your fruit punch, as they are fruits rich in fiber.
Punch to speed up healing
Thanks to the fact that hibiscus, tamarind, tejocote,
pear, and apple contain significant amounts of vitamin C, Mexican punch is your best option if you want to speed up the healing process.
You can also read: Discover all the benefits that hibiscus tea has for youA drink rich in antioxidants
Another great advantage of drinking fruit punch is that it contains a large amount of antioxidants, as it is prepared with ingredients rich in this molecule, which can counteract the effects of free radicals, a molecule that can cause diseases such as cancer.
If you want to take advantage of the benefits that antioxidants have in the body, then add plenty of tejocote, tamarind, hibiscus flower, apple, and pear to your punch.
Remember that while fruit punch is a drink with many benefits, it also contains sugars, so it is advisable not to add too much sugar and consume it in moderation.
Fruit punch recipes
In addition to the traditional recipe for Christmas punch, kiwilimón also has many punch recipes, including some with a kick.