There has been severe heat throughout the country for the last several days. The day temperature is increasing very fast and the nights are also not providing respite. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that the heat may increase even more in the next few days. There is a possibility of heat wave especially in the plains of North-West India, Central India, Eastern India and some parts of the South. In such a situation, the Ministry of AYUSH has advised people to avoid heat through natural and home remedies. The ministry has released a list of some cold beverages which are very beneficial to drink daily. These drinks not only cool the body but also protect from dehydration. Let’s talk about these five beverages.
Buttermilk is the most popular summer drink in Indian homes. To make this, fresh curd is beaten well in cold water. Then the taste is enhanced by adding a little salt, roasted cumin powder, chopped green chillies and a little ginger. This drink is light, sour-sweet and very easily digested. It contains good bacteria called probiotics which keep our stomach and intestines healthy. Due to excessive sweating in summer, there is deficiency of salt and water in the body, buttermilk fulfills it. Drinking buttermilk with lunch does not cause problems like indigestion, gas and flatulence. In summer, it cools the body from within and keeps it fresh throughout the day.
2. Sattu Sharbat
Sattu is roasted gram flour. It is made by dissolving it well in water. A little salt, lemon juice or a little sugar can be added to taste. Sattu is rich in protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates. It keeps the stomach full for a long time, hence one does not feel hungry again and again. On hot days it reduces body heat and helps in keeping blood sugar stable. In Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and many areas of Central India, it is drunk in the morning or afternoon. Laborers and farmers carry it with them because it gives energy for a long time.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is said to be nature’s best sports drink. It is naturally sweet and does not contain any chemicals. It contains essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium in abundance. These minerals are lost from the body due to sweating in summer, coconut water easily replenishes them. Packaged beverages in the market contain a lot of sugar, but coconut water has very little sugar. If you feel tired, dizzy or weak, drink coconut water and you will feel immediate relief. It is an everyday drink in coastal areas.
4. Fresh Fruit Juice
Fresh fruit juices are a great option in summer. Juice of fruits like orange, sweet lime, watermelon, pomegranate, mango, papaya or banana can be prepared and drunk. These juices not only hydrate the body but also provide vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Vitamin C increases immunity, which reduces the risk of falling ill in summer. For children and elderly people, these juices can be mixed with curd or some water to make a thick drink like smoothie. These are both nutritious and tasty.
5. Lemonade
Lemon water is the easiest and cheapest drink. Squeeze lemon in a glass of cold water, add some rock salt or common salt, sugar or honey and black salt as per taste. If you sprinkle roasted cumin powder on top, the taste doubles. Lemon contains citric acid which improves digestion, increases appetite and provides relief from mild acidity. It removes weakness and fatigue caused by heat. Lemon water is also very useful in maintaining the balance of electrolytes. Drinking 2-3 glasses of lemon water a day keeps the body fresh.
