Summers are here! The blazing summer heat can leave us feeling dehydrated, sweaty, fatigued and thirsty, making it imperative to increase our fluid intake. But for those who are bored of drinking the normal regular water, beat the heat with few desi, cool, homemade drinks, as suggested by our nutritionist.
“Go back to your Indian roots and satiate your thirst with Desi thirst quenchers”, says Saumya Shatakshi, Senior Nutritionist at Healthians. “India is a hot weather country and for ages, people living in the different parts of the country have their own favorite drink to stay cool. These drinks are not just great coolants but have a high nutritional value. Natural homemade drinks, no added preservatives and healthy; easy summer drinks like lassi, aam panna, jal jeera, nimbu paani are recommended. To stay hydrated and healthy this summer, savour chach/ mattha, bael sharbat, naariyal paani, ganne ka juice, saunf sharbat, thandai, water-melon juice or sattu drink”, she adds.
5 Refreshing drinks to beat the scorching heat
Aam Panna This tangy healthy beverage is very popular in North India and is the perfect summer thirst quencher. It is made from raw green mangoes, assortment of spices and mint leaves.
Health benefits: It has heat resistant properties and is a great remedy for heat stroke, dehydration, gastrointestinal disorders.
Nutritional Facts: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and iron.
Saunf (fennel seeds) Sharbat – It is a popular summer beverage of Gujarat. Usually, mishri is added to sweeten the drink and it can further be flavored with cloves and cardamom. Another variation of saunf sharbat is with lemon juice and black salt.
Health benefits: Fennel seed is a coolant and is good for digestion. It relieves abdominal cramps, gas and bloating.
Nutritional Facts: Good source of potassium, dietary fibre and antioxidants.
Chaach or Mattha – It is one of the most popular summer drinks in North India. Chaach is low fat and is 3 times faster to digest than regular milk. All you need is 4 ingredients i.e. yogurt, water, salt and zeera (cumin) powder to enjoy a delicious glass of Chaach.
Health benefits: A powerful drink for stomach reflux and acidity.
Nutritional Facts: Good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin B12 and protein.
Bael Sharbat – Bael ka Sharbat or Wood Apple Juice is one of the best thirst quenchers for the summer season. A popular summer drink, which has different South and North Indian versions, is made by beating the seeded pulp of Bael mixed with the water.
Health benefits: It boosts the immune system, fights bacterial and viral infections, gives relief from piles and respiratory disorders, act as a natural laxative and is good for skin as well.
Nutritional Facts: Good source of vitamin C, iron, tannins, dietary fibre and protein.
Sattu Drink- Sattu is a popular flour in U.P and Bihar. This traditional energy drink can be made with roasted gram flour, black salt, roasted cumin powder, lemon juice and water.
Health benefits: It has cooling properties and is also good for digestion. It is a Desi detox drink that helps to cleanse our system and remove all toxins. It aids in weight loss and has a low glycemic index, hence recommended for diabetics as well.
Nutritional Facts: Good source of iron, magnesium, low in sodium and protein.
A slice of lime, or fresh fruits with a few sprigs of mint in a bottle of water, makes it more palatable. Cucumbers, coconut water and watermelons have high water content and help to prevent dehydration. Stay hydrated and feel refreshed during summers and keep yourself away from packaged juices, colas as they are loaded with sugar, empty calories and additives. Make smart choices.
Hydrate! Hydrate!
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