Did you know that thandai is not just your regular holi drink? It is strengthened with various ayurvedic properties that make it a beneficial drink. This holi, celebrate with your friends and family by adding holi special beverages, like thandai, to your menu. Thandai is a traditional Indian drink made with milk, nuts, seeds, spices, and rose petals. It is one of the popular drinks that is served, especially during the festival of Holi.
Through this blog, we will explore why you should drink Thandai during Holi and its various health benefits as per Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Benefits Of Drinking Thandai
1. Cooling Property:
Thandai is made of natural cooling ingredients such as milk, rosewater, saffron, cardamom, fennel seeds, and mint. All these ingredients have a natural cooling effect on the body. Thandai also helps in balancing the Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat, fire, and energy.
During holi, there may be a generation of excessive heat in your body. Consuming drinks that have cooling properties, like Thandai, helps to calm excessive internal heat and maintain equilibrium in the body. As Holi marks the transition to warmer weather, thandai's cooling properties help regulate body temperature.
2. Digestive Benefit
Thandai contains spices like fennel seeds and black pepper, which enhance digestive power. Fennel seeds in thandai have natural digestive properties that reduce bloating and gas. It also stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which speed up digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
This is especially beneficial during festive occasions like Holi, when indulging in heavy and processed foods is quite common. Other Ingredients in thandai, like cardamom, saffron, and mint, also help balance stomach acids, reduce nausea, and maintain overall digestive health.
3. Boosts Immunity
Thandai is made with a blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, such as almonds, cloves, and black pepper. All these thandai ingredients provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen our immune system. Almonds in thandai contain healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body, further supporting immune function.
The combination of milk, almonds, and saffron provides essential nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, which help maintain energy levels and overall vitality, keeping the immune system strong.
4. Boosts Overall Energy
Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds provide a natural energy boost, helping you stay active and vibrant throughout the festivities. Almonds are a great source of B-vitamins, which are crucial for converting food into energy.
They help your body break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy production. Milk also provides a good dose of vitamin B12, which is essential for energy metabolism and helps reduce fatigue.
5. Good for hydration
Thandai, a milk-based drink, helps keep the body hydrated, which is very important during the warmer times of the year, especially Holi. The spices within Thandai can also aid in the body's natural detoxification process. When made with milk, Thandai offers the additional benefits of dairy and hydration.
Thandai includes almonds, pistachios, watermelon seeds, fennel seeds, rose petals, saffron, and cardamom. These ingredients provide various nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, which support overall hydration and body function.
Key Ingredients in Thandai and its Benefits:
-
Almonds: This high-protein dry fruit is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which support the body's immunity.
-
Fennel Seeds: They help enhance the body’s digestion and have cooling properties.
-
Cardamom: It stimulates Agni (digestive fire), which helps improve digestion and prevent bloating
-
Black Pepper: It boosts immunity and helps in digestion.
-
Saffron: Saffron has antioxidant properties and also elevates mood
-
Poppy Seeds: Helps in maintaining digestive health.
-
Rose Petals: Brings a natural cooling effect, aids in enhancing digestive health.
Safety Notes
Even if thandai has various ayurvedic benefits, make sure that you drink it in moderation to avoid any harmful effects afterward. Limit your intake to ensure a safe and enjoyable Holi celebration.
Conclusion
This holi consume thandai not just for fun but also to avail of the various ayurvedic benefits attached to it. By drinking Thandai, you can get the benefit of its cooling and digestive properties and also boost your immunity, which can double the fun of your Holi celebration. However, be cautious of your thandai intake, as the excess of anything can have repercussions. Celebrate this holi with your friends and family with a glass of thandai, and share some moments of laughter and joy. Happy holi!
References
Smith, J. (1985). Title of the study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 17(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.1985.10472336
Krishikosh Digital Repository. (Year). Title of the document. Krishikosh e-Granth
Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2021). Title of the study. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 53(4), 567-580. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.1941443
