6 ways to add Gond Katira to the summer diet
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With the increase in temperature, our body needs ample strength to sustain the harsh weather. While most of us rely on packaged juices, coolers, aerated drinks that provide an instant relief from the scorching heat.
These thirst quenchers give your body an instant spike of energy, which happens due to sudden surge in insulin levels that eventually leave you drained and dehydrated. However, there are certain edible gums that can naturally rehydrate and replenish lost nutrients, and can reduce body heat from within. Here's one such edible gum, which has turned out to be a rage among health enthusiasts for the right reasons. Read on to know more about it…
Gond Katira, when soaked, turns into a jelly-like substance that's one of the most potent natural coolants known in Ayurveda.Soaking gond overnight and adding it to water the next day creates a slightly gooey, tasteless drink that dramatically reduces body heat. It's great for preventing heatstroke and is especially helpful in regions with dry, intense summers.
What is
Gond Katira
?
Gond Katira, also known as
Tragacanth gum
, is a natural edible gum obtained from the sap of the Astragalus plant.
Gond Katira is naturally rich in nutrients and has a cool potency, which makes it perfect for summer indulgence. According to the books of Ayurveda,Gond Katira is widely used in home remedies and Ayurvedic treatments to reduce body heat, boost hydration and also helps in strengthening bones and boosting overall health. Here are some simple ways to add this edible gum to the daily diet.
Add to the drinks
One of the most popular ways to consume gond katira is as a refreshing summer drink.
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Soak a tablespoon of gond katira in a glass of water overnight. By morning, it will swell into a jelly-like consistency. Add it to chilled lemonade, rose syrup, or a glass of sweet lassi. This cooling drink helps to beat the heat and prevent dehydration while providing a natural boost of energy.
Smoothies and milkshakes
For a nutritional twist, add soaked gond katira to your morning smoothie or milkshake. Blend it with fresh fruits, milk (or almond milk), and a touch of honey.
The gum not only thickens the drink but also adds a subtle texture that complements ingredients like bananas, berries, and mangoes. This addition is perfect for post-workout recovery as it replenishes lost fluids and supports muscle health.
Traditional sweets
Gond katira is a popular ingredient in traditional Indian sweets like gond ke laddoo and gond ka halwa. These sweets are especially popular during winter for their warming properties.
Gond katira helps in strengthening bones and joints, making it ideal for those looking to boost their calcium intake. Simply roast the gum with ghee, add flour, sugar, and nuts, and cook until it reaches a perfect consistency.
Porridge or kheer
You can also add gond katira to breakfast porridge or kheer. Soak it overnight and mix it into your oatmeal or rice pudding during the cooking process. Its natural thickening ability adds volume and a unique mouthfeel to the dish.
This not only enhances the texture but also makes your breakfast more filling and nutritious.
I prepared a refreshing pink drink with translucent gond katira. The drink is perfect for a hot summer day.
Detox water
For a simple detox drink, soak a tablespoon of gond katira in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, add a dash of lemon juice and a bit of honey. This infusion helps cleanse the digestive system and promotes hydration. Drinking it on an empty stomach may aid in detoxifying the body and boosting metabolism.
Sweet treats
Gond katira can also be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or fruit salad.
Its jelly-like consistency provides a unique texture that pairs well with cold treats. Sprinkle some soaked gond katira on vanilla ice cream or mix it with chia seeds for a layered parfait.
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