It is summertime, and all we need to do is to fodder ourselves with cooling and hydrating drinks. While Ayurveda condemns the consumption of ice-cold foods and beverages as they disrupt the digestive fire called agni. It does encourage loading up on drinks that lowers the body temperature and not hamper the digestive system. This weak digestive system begins to work harder in order to digest and absorb nutrients and pitta dosha or the metabolism becomes unbalanced. One of the best ways to cool your body temperature is to drink lots of water that also helps keep it hydrated in sweltering summers. There are other drinks that Ayurveda suggests to include in your daily diet. To avoid being perpetually thirsty, dehydrated and fatigued I consciously go on a liquid overdrive. I drink up every now and then – both plain water and water infused with fresh lime and mint (to replenish electrolytes), cucumber (to rehydrate and cool from inside), chia seeds (adds much needed protein to my diet), fennel seeds (to stay alert) and cumin seeds (to keep my stomach sorted).Besides water, I also drink a lot of coconut water for an extra dose of potassium, buttermilk for calcium, and these four coolers mentioned below. Here are some amazing drinks suggested by Ayurveda expert at Nirog Street, Ram N Kumar that you should definitely load up on.
1. Aam Ka Panna
Aam ka panna is made using green mangoes. It is one of the best cooling drinks that help beat the heat. It has vital micro-nutrients that replenish the mineral levels in the body and keep it going through the hot days.
2. Poppy Seed Sorbet Or Khus Sherbet
Mixing poppy seed sherbet with lemon makes for an amazing drink during summers. It is an excellent source of iron, manganese and B6 vitamins. It is also diuretic in nature, which is why it is known for its cooling properties.
3. Bael Ka Sherbet
Wood apple, or bael juice makes for a cooling agent. The juice of the fruit is considered to be beneficial for gastrointestinal problems, peptic ulcer, jaundice, obesity and gynaecological disorders. You can add some lemon juice to avoid the bitter after-taste, too.
4. Rose Sherbet (Gulab)
Rose sherbet or rose water contains various vitamins like vitamin A, C, E and B. It also makes for a hydrating and cooling drink that relieves digestive problems too.
5. Phalsa Sherbet
Phalsa fruits are small berries that grow on the tree Grewia asiatica and resemble blackcurrants. Phalsa sherbet is said to relieve you from excessive heat. A glass of it daily may help prevent strokes.
6. Sattu
This desi drink originated from Bihar is known for its cooling properties. Sattu powder is made with roasted black chanas, which is then used to make the drink. It is super filling and healthy; thanks to the presence of essential nutrients, fibre and proteins that make it a summer cooler.
7. Buttermilk
Ayurveda suggests bringing buttermilk, or chaas, to rescue during summers. One of the most loved summer drinks, buttermilk is an outcome of the separation of butter from milk tempered with curry leaves and mustard seeds. This all-rounder is surely a perfect solution to your summer woes.
