Stay Fresh This Summer with Ayurveda inspired Cooling Drinks
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian holistic healing system. Discovered centuries ago, it has used science and research to find cures, remedies, and recipes for mankind. Ayurveda is a traditional method used by several Indian households. Its popularity has now spread all over the world. With drinks like ‘turmeric latte’ ‘moon milk’ and ‘buttermilk’ slowly being popular globally, Ayurveda has become a natural way of living for many. With Ayurveda and it’s practical research and helpful ideas, we can find refreshing, hydrating, and cooling drinks that are perfect for summers.
Ayurveda reasons that people should eat things according to the season. The easiest and healthiest way to remain healthy is to stay in sync with nature. People rose with the sun earlier and slept when the sunset. They ate fresh, organic fruits and vegetables that were available in that particular season. Thanks to technology and mankind, we can now have mangoes year-round and strawberries when we desire. The concept of living according to the seasons is difficult. That concept is highly valued in Ayurveda and considered essential. Following this concept, the summer season calls for light food, lower intensity exercises, and afternoon naps. Our digestive system is weaker and our appetite is lower in summers.
The foods you consume should be sweet but it doesn’t mean sugar-loaded sodas or colas or heavy desserts. It means fresh ingredients that satiate you such as lentils, coconuts, ghee, cashews, and pumpkins. One loses a lot of fluids in the summers. The meals you consume should replace those fluids and cool your body down. You should avoid heavy spices and include enough salt in your food and drink. The salt will act as electrolytes and save you from dehydration. Remember to use rock salt instead of table salt as that is healthier for your heart. Now that you know what to eat and drink, let’s give you some cooling recipes for drinks recommended by Ayurveda.
Fresh Lemonade (Nimbu Paani)- Literally called Lemon Water in Hindi, Fresh Lemonade is one of the highly recommended cooling drinks in Ayurveda. It is made with fresh lemons, water, rock salt, and a pinch of sugar. Squeeze a full sized lemon in 3/4 glass of water, add some rock salt and sugar for taste. You can add Chaat Masala for a tangy flavor. Fill it with ice and serve chilled. Avoid using soda or store bought lemonades. They contain sugars and other preservatives. Fresh Lemonade is healthy, calorie conscious, and perfect in the summer days. You can even make a batch and store it in your fridge for 1-2 days.
Rose Milk- Milk can seem heavy during summers but when you add refreshing flavors like Rose, it feels hydrating and fresh. Make a rose syrup at home to ensure your drink is healthy and sugar free. Boil a cup of water and natural sweetener or Stevia. Keep it on medium flame till the mixture thickens. Add fresh rose petals to the mixture and simmer on low heat. Keep it on till the petals turn dry. You can add rose essence for the smell and additional flavor if you wish. Adding pink food coloring can bring out a pop of bright pink but be careful, it may not suit everybody. Pour this mixture in a cup of chilled milk and add ice cubes. Serve chilled. You can use almond, soy, rice, oats, or dairy free milk too.
Aam Panna (Mango Sorbet)- One of the most popular drinks in India, Aam Panna or Mango Sorbet is a summer staple. Made with raw mangoes or slightly unripe mangoes, this drink is tangy and sour. Mix raw mango pulp with cumin, salt, and mint leaves. Serve chilled and you can add some chaat masala for an extra kick.
Buttermilk- Curd is a food you find in most households. Buttermilk is an easy and cool way to stay hydrated. Dilute curd to a thin consistency, add salt, pepper, and coriander leaves to it. Cumin seeds are also added sometimes for that flavorful punch. Buttermilk is amazing for indigestion or helping digest heavy and rich meals. It can reduce headache, nausea, and give your body the much needed hydration.
Cucumber Juice- Are you hearing about cucumber juice for the first time? You may have seen or had water with cucumber slices. Or used cucumber slices on your eyes. Cucumber juice is equally helpful in refreshing your body and mind. Peel, cut, and mash a cucumber. Strain the contents and add some salt to it if you need extra flavor. Some people even add lime juice to make it a summer perfect drink.