From Aam Panna To Chaas, 8 Desi Drinks That Make Summer Bearable
Last Updated:
From buttermilk to aam panna, here are eight easy-to-make Indian drinks that are healthier than a glass of fizzy soda.
Summer days are here. Staying hydrated becomes essential during the hot weather for health and well-being. This season is all about refreshing and cold beverages that help one to stay cool and hydrated during the high temperatures and scorching sun. When we think of summer, the first thing that comes to mind for refreshment is soda.
While soda is a common summer beverage, it is also important to consider the potential downsides, like weight gain, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes. Add these 'desi' refreshing drinks to your daily routine that not only keep you hydrated but also nourish your body. From buttermilk to aam panna, here are eight easy-to-make Indian drinks that are healthier than soda.
Aam Panna: Made from raw mangoes, this tangy-sweet cooler is known for preventing heat strokes, boosting immunity and keeping electrolytes stable. To make this traditional drink, raw mangoes are boiled and blended with mint, roasted cumin, black salt and jaggery or sugar.
Sattu Drink: Rich in protein, this drink offers numerous health benefits and is considered to be a powerhouse of energy. This natural coolant drink is made from roasted gram flour, lemon, salt, and spices.
Coconut Water: Low in sugar and high in electrolytes, this is a great pick for the summer season. This naturally refreshing and hydrating drink helps in cooling the body, supporting skin health and providing a guilt-free alternative to sugary drinks.
Buttermilk (Chaas): Buttermilk, also known as chaas, is one of the most hydrating beverages. This tangy drink is prepared from curd, water, roasted cumin and black salt. This popular drink is known for its digestive benefits and ability to provide relief from acidity.
Iced Green Tea: Sipping a cup of iced green tea during summer days provides refreshment and hydration. You can easily prepare this refreshing and delicious beverage with green tea bags, fresh mint leaves, lime, ice cubes and water. Rich in antioxidants, this drink help in combating oxidative stress caused by sun exposure and also maintains blood sugar balance.
Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Juice): This sweet and slightly tangy drink is made from the pulp of the wood apple. Known to ease digestion and cool the gut, Bel Sharbat is soothing, refreshing and an ideal drink for summer afternoons.
Jaljeera: Known for its tangy and spicy flavour, this popular beverage is enjoyed as a refreshing drink during the summer. This traditional drink is prepared from cumin, water, mint, tamarind and lemon.
First Published:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Navy evacuates Indian seafarer from a Singapore-flagged tanker
The Navy evacuated an Indian seafarer following a medical emergency alert from Singapore-flagged oil tanker Eagle Veracruz received through the Information Fusion Centre, Indian Ocean Region, on Friday. 'On receipt of the information, the Indian Navy's Seaking helicopter from INS Garuda, Kochi, was immediately launched. Additionally, INS Sharda was also diverted to provide assistance in evacuation of the patient. Not withstanding poor visibility due to the prevailing monsoon and in the absence of a suitable landing spot, the Seaking undertook precise winching up operations of the patient,' said the Navy statement. 'The 41-year-old Indian seafarer was successfully recovered from the vessel. On arrival at INS Garuda, the patient was safely transferred to a hospital at Kochi for further treatment,' it said.
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Feeding the Family Right This Summer: Smarter Protein Choice - U.S. Turkey for All Ages
SMPL New Delhi [India], June 13: As the summer sun shines brighter and our routines shift to match longer days and lighter appetites, it becomes even more essential to revisit what's going on our plates--especially when it comes to protein. Whether it's growing kids on school break, busy professionals juggling travel plans, or elderly family members looking for digestible meals, one thing is clear: protein remains a non-negotiable part of a balanced summer diet. "Turkey is an excellent example of a lean meat that supports high-quality protein intake without adding unnecessary saturated fat," says Gunja Chatwal, Nutritionist. She further adds, "Especially during summer, when digestion slows and appetite fluctuates, proteins like U.S. turkey provide sustained energy, aid muscle repair, and help regulate blood sugar levels--all while being light and versatile." "Turkey, especially from the U.S., is a high-quality, lean protein source that fits seamlessly into the Indian summer table. Unlike heavier meats that can feel dense and difficult to digest in hot weather, turkey is light on the stomach but rich in nutrition, making it perfect for all age groups," says Devna Khanna, In-Country Marketing Representative, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). Growing children need a regular supply of protein for development, especially during the summer when outdoor play and activities increase. Whether you're working from home, commuting to the office, or enjoying a family vacation, turkey is a wonderful way to stay full without feeling sluggish. It's high in protein but low in fat, making it a smart pick for those watching their weight or seeking to stay fit during the season. U.S. Turkey is a soft, easily chewable meat that is gentle on digestion--good for those who often prefer lighter meals. The beauty of U.S. turkey lies in its culinary adaptability. It can be seasoned with Indian spices, grilled, shredded, or lightly sauteed for use in salads, rolls, thalis, and even comfort dishes like biryani, kathi rolls, or kebabs. Its mild flavor allows it to blend well with traditional Indian recipes without overpowering the dish. What set U.S. Turkey apart are the strict quality control, safety standards, and sustainability practices it follows in production.
NDTV
4 hours ago
- NDTV
What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Too Many Carbs
We all know that carbohydrates fuel the body. In Indian homes, they are practically the foundation of every meal, whether it is rotis, rice, or a quick plate of snacks. While carbs are important for energy, balance is key. Too much of a good thing can mess with more than just your jeans. A carb-heavy diet can quietly throw your body off track, especially if you are loading up without even realising it. Some of the signs are so subtle, they often slip under the radar. If you have noticed a shift in your weight, energy levels or even your mood lately, it might be time to take a closer look at your plate. These five signs might just confirm what your body has been trying to say. Here Are 5 Things That Happen To Your Body When You Eat Too Many Carbs 1. You Are Constantly Hungry If you feel like you just ate and are already rummaging for a snack, blame the carbs. Especially the refined ones. A 2014 study published in Appetite found that simple carbs like white rice and bread digest fast, spike your blood sugar, and then crash it just as quickly. That crash tricks your body into thinking it is still hungry, even when it is not. So yes, even a full thali can leave you reaching for chips within the hour. Try switching to complex carbs and adding more fibre and protein to keep the hunger in check. 2. Your Energy Keeps Dropping You eat, you feel pumped, and then suddenly - bam - you are crashing harder than your Monday motivation. These post-meal slumps are classic signs of a carb-heavy meal without enough fibre or protein. When your blood sugar spikes and drops too fast, your energy goes down with it. Sluggishness, brain fog, and that irresistible urge to nap right after lunch? They are not just 'office vibes', your diet could be dragging you down. 3. Sudden Weight Gain Is Showing Up Your clothes are tighter. The weighing scale is not your friend. But your routine has not changed. The culprit might be those extra helpings of white rice, maida treats, or sugar-loaded snacks. A 2023 study in The BMJ points out that unused carbs get stored as fat, especially if you are not moving enough. This is not about cutting carbs completely. It is about keeping a check on portions and balancing your plate better. 4. Your Mood Is All Over The Place If your fuse feels shorter than usual or you are swinging between low and lower, your high-carb diet might be behind it. Refined carbs can mess with your blood sugar levels, and that ripple effect does not just stop at energy dips. Mood changes, anxiety, and even feeling extra irritable could be linked. A more balanced mix of nutrients might help bring that emotional rollercoaster to a gentler pace. 5. Your Skin Is Not Happy If your skin has been breaking out more than usual, and your skincare routine is still on point, you might want to zoom out to your diet. A high intake of processed carbs and sugary foods can spike insulin, affect hormones, and trigger inflammation - none of which your skin loves. The result? Acne, dullness, and an oily sheen you did not sign up for. If you are hunting for snack swaps that are satisfying without sending your sugar levels into a spin, we have some easy, healthy options waiting for you.
