We often come across various dieticians, nutritionists,s and health experts telling us about various superfoods like broccoli, avocados, kale, oats, etc. We Indians have our own specialties which are just as healthy if not more than many western edibles. Just because the west managed to market them globally as healthy foods does not mean that we have to diss our own Indian foods like gooseberry, jackfruit, lentils and pulses, and countless other fruits and veggies which are cultivated in India and are enough for a balanced diet.
Moving on to the Summer in India which is marked by a couple of months of heat waves that claim more than a thousand lives every year. It is always advisable to take special precautions and eat foods that are in fluid form and easily digestible so as to minimize the adverse impacts of heat waves. Fortunately we Indians have always had the right ingredients to tackle this problem. The following foods are great solutions that help wade through Summer in India without having to visit doctors.
The most important part is obvious that is to keep oneself hydrated with a lot of fluids all the time because most of the deaths that heatwaves causes occur due to dehydration. And for the rest of the day, we have these foods to cont
As per my own experience over years, it has been saving my family from indigestion, dehydration during those heat waves. Also, it starts bearing fruits just before the season of heatwaves begins. It is only grown in Asian and South Asian countries and is a powerhouse for Vitamins and Minerals. It also has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed for better recovery from any illness and is just too underrated for a fruit that is so healthy. The best way to eat it is by making Bel sherbet which will row you safely through the heatwaves.
It is an incredible superfood quite popular among the rural masses of northern India and is specifically prepared for the summer season. It has a cooling effect on the body is easily digestible. It is a very basic yet palatable food item that requires just salt and maybe onion and chili. Also, you can make a drink by adding a little black salt, cumin powder, and lemon. It is high in protein and fibers and enhances metabolism often known as the poor man's protein. If you ever had Choka Baati, the Baati is stuffed with Sattu and tastes amazing. It is worth getting international recognition as an Indian superfood.
There isn't a tastier alternative than Aam Panna to keep our bodies hydrated during summer. It is made by either roasting or boiling raw mangoes and using the pulp for making Aam Panna to which we need to add cumin powder, salt, and black salt, sugar. Since it has salt and sugar, it acts as a super rehydrating drink and drinking it once a day is sure to keep dehydration miles away. Further, it has antioxidants, iron vitamin B, and minerals which act as an immunity booster.
Other than sattu and Aam Panna this is another northern India specialty that is available in every rural household throughout the summers and even in urban areas people love buying it. Well, this quite popular internationally as buttermilk and is extremely beneficial in improving the metabolism and cooling down the body. It basically keeps gastro intentional problems, which often occur during summers, at bay. With some salt and asafoetida, it is ready to be served.
One of my personal favorites and I use it in every possible drink and dish. Anyone can grow them in small pots and use the fresh leaves throughout the summer season. It has a high amount of antioxidants and is a natural coolant and soother. It provides relief to the stomach instantly by reducing inflammation and helps maintain good digestion. One can use it in the form of chutney (sauce) along with meals or have mint juice which is really refreshing. Also, don't forget to add it to Aam Panna and Buttermilk.
Lastly drink water from the Earthen pots
It completely eliminates the need to store water in refrigerators consequently saving us from cough cold and viral fever that is caused due to the hot-cold combination. The acidic nature of the human body is balanced by the alkaline water from the clay pots. It also has minerals and vitamins and is definitely a healthy practice worth building for a healthy lifestyle.
