Benefit from Indian superfoods to beat the summer time warmth. Gond katira, wooden apple and khus root are some such desi meals, suggests a nutritionist.
Summer season could be intense. Rising temperature, warmth waves, and dehydration can take a toll on vitality and digestion. However earlier than reaching for chilly sodas and packaged drinks, look into your individual kitchen. Conventional Indian knowledge gives a number of pure cures within the type of desi superfoods. They’re time-tested, seasonal, and completely aligned with the physique’s wants throughout this time of 12 months.
Listed here are 5 highly effective summer-friendly Indian superfoods that naturally cool the physique, restore hydration, and assist digestion.
Indian superfoods to maintain your physique cool in summer time
These summer-friendly Indian superfoods are purposeful meals, deeply tied to nature’s cycles and your physique’s rhythms. As Ayurveda teaches, consuming seasonally helps restore inside stability and forestall imbalances brought on by exterior stressors like warmth. Medical nutritionist Prachi Mandholia suggests Indian superfoods for summer time, their well being advantages, and tips on how to use them.
1. Khus Root (Vetiver)
Khus root, also called vetiver, is a aromatic root with pure cooling and calming results. Historically infused in ingesting water, it not solely reduces physique warmth but additionally soothes the nervous system and helps relieve pores and skin irritation, making it good for decent, stressed days.
How one can use: Soak 10-12 strands of khus root in a single day in a litre of water. Sip on this all through the day.
Warning: Pregnant girls ought to keep away from consuming khus root resulting from its potent nature.
2. Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)
This plant-derived gum is understood for its hydrating, jelly-like texture when soaked. It is without doubt one of the Indian superfoods that acts as a pure coolant, soothes the digestive tract, and helps forestall heat-induced exhaustion. Gond katira advantages additionally embrace supporting joint and bone well being.
How one can use: Soak a small piece of gond katira in water for 2-3 hours. As soon as it swells up, combine it with water, lemon juice, mint leaves, and a pinch of pink salt. You can even add it to smoothies.
Warning: These susceptible to bloating or on drugs like blood thinners and diuretics ought to use it beneath medical steerage.
3. Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds)
A pure coolant, sabja seeds are filled with fiber and type a soothing gel when soaked. They assist cut back acidity, curb sugar cravings, relieve constipation, and hold the physique cool from inside, all whereas aiding digestion.
How one can use: Soak 1 tsp of sabja seeds in a cup of water for 10-Quarter-hour. Add them to coconut water, lemon juice, smoothies, or fruit bowls.
Warning: Pregnant girls and people with low blood strain or on blood thinners ought to seek the advice of a physician earlier than common use.
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4. Kokum
Kokum is without doubt one of the finest Indian superfoods. Native to coastal India, kokum is a tangy, antioxidant-rich fruit that helps digestion and prevents dehydration. It’s historically utilized in drinks and curries and is well-loved for decreasing heat-related acidity and fatigue.
How one can use: Soak kokum in water, mash and pressure, then combine with cumin and black salt for a refreshing sharbat. It will also be added to kadhis and dals whereas cooking.
Warning: Keep away from Kokum in case you have kidney problems, extreme pores and skin allergic reactions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
5. Bael (Wooden Apple)
Typically neglected, bael is a robust summer time fruit wealthy in fiber and cooling properties. It’s particularly efficient for intestine points like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or diarrhea, which are likely to flare up in summer time.
How one can use: Scoop out the pulp, mix with water, jaggery, and a pinch of black salt to make a digestive summer time drink.
Warning: Folks with diabetes ought to use warning as bael can decrease blood sugar ranges. Pregnant girls are suggested to keep away from it resulting from its potential uterine results.
Bear in mind one factor earlier than including these desi Indian superfoods to your weight-reduction plan. What cools one particular person could not go well with one other. All the time hearken to your physique and seek the advice of a healthcare skilled or nutritionist in case you have underlying circumstances.
