Looking for a drink that will quench your thirst in the summer?
Our health is affected by climate change, longer heat waves, and hotter summers.
It is important to think before you grab that fruit juice or cola that comes in a package. Caffeine in these drinks can cause dehydration, and sugars can raise your blood sugar levels to dangerously high levels. Why not choose something that will refresh you while also supporting your gut or digestive health?
Summertimes are particularly bad for your stomach. A hot climate increases your risk for gut diseases like gastroenteritis. They can also change your gut’s microbial makeup, which can compromise immunity. The heat can cause constipation and reduce digestion.
Probiotic drinks contain live, active cultures, which can promote a healthy digestive system and improve overall health.
Here are three delicious and healthy Indian summer drinks to keep you hydrated while supporting your gut health.
Think beyond ….buttermilk.
Buttermilk can be bland, even though it is rich in probiotics. This oomph-up version of the Indian favorite provides additional protein.
1 cup plain yogurt
3 cups of cold water
2 tbsp sattu Powder
Half a green chilli
1/2 inch ginger
1 tbsp of chopped cilantro
Cumin powder, 1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak)
Salt to taste or 1/4 teaspoon
1/4 tsp chaat masala
Use coriander, mint, or both for garnish
Blend all ingredients in a blender. Serve chilled.
Summer Beet Kanji
Who said that this dish, traditionally made for the winter months, couldn’t help cool summers down? Spices like cumin and seeds of fennel give it a refreshing summery flavor. Fermentation creates a drink that is full of active cultures, which your gut will appreciate.
Yellow mustard seeds 2 tbsp
1 tsp of salt
Black salt, 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
Cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp
One large beetroot
Drinking water 1.5 liters at room temperature
1 (2 litres) jar/bottle (sterilised)
Sparkling water (optional).
Peel, wash and scrub the beetroots. Cut them into long, lengthwise pieces. Grind the spices into fine powder after dry roasting. Add the beetroots to a glass bottle that has been thoroughly cleaned. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and the spice powder. Add the water to the bottle and cover with a muslin towel. It is best to keep it out in the sunshine. Within a couple of days, you’ll have a probiotic-rich pink-hued kanji to beat the summer heat. Keep in the fridge to avoid further fermentation. For a fizzy effect, you can add sparkling water to dilute the mixture further.
Prebiotic Instant Aam Panna
Instant sugar rush for those who can’t wait. Prebiotics, or fibers, are food for gut bacteria. They promote a healthy digestive system. Prebiotics are found in raw mangoes and jaggery, so we have created a version of the popular Pampanga that is normally a cooked version.
Half a cup of raw Mango peeled (Totapuri is recommended).
1 cup ripe Mango – cubed and peeled
2 tbsp jaggery
2 tsp cumin roasted
Pepper powder, 1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp black salt (kala namak)
Salt is a taste.
Mint leaves
Few ice cubes
Water or sparkling water, 1 cup
All ingredients should be mixed in a mixer and ground to a paste. Season to taste and adjust consistency by adding water or sparkling mineral water. Serve chilled.
Why not give your gut a boost with these gut-friendly drinks this season? Probiotic drinks are the best choice for cooling down after an intense workout or to refresh you on a hot summer day. With all the benefits that prebiotics and probiotics provide, every sip can be a healthy one!