Why are traditional cooling drinks again becoming people’s first choice in summer?
As the heat increases, people often rush towards cold drinks, iced beverages or packed juices. But now gradually people are seen returning to those old home-made drinks, which were once considered a part of grandmother’s recipes.
In fact, traditional cooling drinks not only cool the body, but in many cases are also considered helpful in digestion, hydration and providing relief from heat fatigue. This is the reason why people are now again making such drinks a part of their diet.
Due to excessive sweating in summer, there is a deficiency of water and minerals in the body. In such a situation, just eating cold things is not enough, but it is also important to keep the body properly hydrated. Many traditional Indian drinks can do the same job easily.
Many health experts also agree that, when prepared with the right amount and hygiene, traditional cooling drinks can be a great option in the summer, especially for those who frequently experience fatigue, dehydration, or stomach problems.
Which Indian alternatives to traditional cooling drinks can provide relief in summer?
In the summer season, the body starts getting tired quickly and sometimes problems like heaviness, lethargy or headache are also felt. At such times, traditional cooling drinks can help in making the body feel light and refreshed. Let us know about five such old but effective Indian drinks.
- Nimbu Pani (Lemon Water): The easiest and most reliable summer companion
Lemon water is perhaps India’s most popular summer drink. It is easily made at home and helps in keeping the body hydrated.
Excessive sweating in summer can lead to water deficiency in the body. In such a situation, lemon water made by adding a little salt and sugar can make the body feel refreshed. Many people enhance the taste by adding mint or black salt to it.
The best part is that it doesn’t take much effort to make and it doesn’t feel heavy either. - Jaljeera: A delicious and soothing digestive drink
If you feel heavy after a meal in the summer, jaljeera can be a favorite for many. Its sour-spicy taste provides great relief in summer.
Jaljeera often uses cumin, mint, black salt, tamarind and spices. Many people believe that it helps digestion feel better and can also help reduce lethargy in the summer.
However, it is not necessary that very spicy Jaljeera suits everyone. Therefore, it is considered important to take care of the quantity. - Tender Coconut Water: An Easy Way to Naturally Hydrate
Coconut water is also called the “natural energy drink” of summer by many. The electrolytes present in it can help in keeping the body hydrated.
In summer, when the body feels tired or sweats excessively, cold coconut water can provide a lot of relief. The best part is that it doesn’t require much mixing – it’s drunk as is. Many doctors also recommend consuming light and natural drinks in summer, which often includes coconut water. - Bael Sherbet: A Super Summer Drink from the Old Times
Bael sherbet used to be a common staple in homes, but its use has gradually declined. However, it is being remembered again in the summer.
Wood apple is considered a fruit that cools the body. Many people also consider it to be a stomach relaxant, especially during the hot summer. Wood apple juice can be mildly sweet in taste and can feel quite soothing.
Even today, many people in villages and small towns increase their consumption of wood apple as soon as summer begins. - Fennel Water (Fennel Infusion): An easy home remedy to cool the body
Fennel water is one of the home remedies consumed in many homes during the summer. Many people have adopted the habit of soaking fennel seeds in water overnight and drinking the infused water the following morning.
Some people believe that it can help cool the body and may also help in making the stomach feel lighter. However, every body’s needs are different, so it is considered better to take it in balance.
What things should be kept in mind while including traditional cooling drinks in your daily routine?
Although traditional cooling drinks are considered to provide relief in summer, it is not right to drink something in large quantities just because it is “desi”. Every person’s body needs are different.
If too much sugar or salt is added to a drink, its benefits may be reduced. Therefore, it is better to keep home-made drinks light and balanced.
Apart from this, it is also important to use clean water and fresh ingredients, because in summer, bad things can have an effect quickly. If someone has any pre-existing health problems, it may be better to consult a doctor before making any major dietary changes.
At the moment, one thing is clear people are returning to old home options again in the summer. And perhaps this is the reason why traditional cooling drinks are once again making their way into people’s kitchens and daily habits.
