The monsoon season ushers in humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and the potential for a dip in immunity. This is where your choice of beverages plays a crucial role. While staying hydrated is key year-round, the monsoon beckons for drinks that offer more than just quenching your thirst. Here are 5 delightful and health-boosting beverages to sip and enjoy the beauty of Indian monsoons:
1. The Classic Kadha with a Twist:
Kadha, a traditional Indian concoction, is a true monsoon warrior. This warm beverage is brimming with immunity-boosting ingredients like ginger, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and tulsi (holy basil). Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, helps combat common monsoon ailments like colds and coughs. Black pepper enhances the bioavailability of other beneficial ingredients, while tulsi strengthens the immune system. The warming spices like cloves and cinnamon add a touch of comfort and promote healthy digestion. You can customize your kadha by adding honey for sweetness, lemon for a refreshing twist, or even jaggery for a healthier touch.
2. The Hydrating Coconut Water:
Nature's own sports drink, coconut water, is a fantastic choice for the monsoon season. Packed with electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium, it helps replenish fluids lost through sweating, a common occurrence during the humid months. Coconut water is also naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free way to stay hydrated. It contains lauric acid, which possesses antiviral and antimicrobial properties, offering a potential shield against monsoon-related infections.
3. The Refreshing Spiced buttermilk (Chaas):
Buttermilk, a traditional Indian drink made by churning yogurt, is a treasure trove of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria contribute to gut health, which plays a vital role in overall immunity. During the monsoon, when digestion can be sluggish due to the change in weather, buttermilk acts as a natural digestive aid. Adding a pinch of cumin, black pepper, and ginger to your buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of digestive and immune-supporting properties.
4. Herbal Infused Water:
Plain water is always a good choice, but during the monsoon, consider infusing it with some power-packed herbs. Mint leaves, with their cooling properties, offer a refreshing taste and can aid in digestion. Tulsi leaves, as mentioned earlier, are a powerhouse of immune-boosting antioxidants. Ginger, a monsoon staple, can be added for its anti-inflammatory and decongestant benefits. Experiment with different combinations of fruits, herbs, and spices like cucumber and lemon or fennel seeds and coriander to create your personalized concoction.
5. The Tropical Spiced Pomegranate Juice:
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, both essential for keeping your immune system strong. A glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice diluted with water is a delicious way to reap these benefits. To add a touch of warmth and flavor during the monsoon, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder. Pomegranate juice also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for soothing a sore throat or cough common during the season.
While these drinks are excellent choices for the monsoon season, remember to limit your intake of sugary beverages and aerated drinks. These can contribute to dehydration and leave you feeling sluggish. Always switch to natural sweeteners like honey or jaggery whenever possible.
So, raise a glass to good health and a delightful monsoon season!
