Shikanji is an Indian Drink made of lemon, sugar, water, a pinch of black salt and the mint. It tastes good. Shikanji also known as lemon water is a very refreshing drink that is generally consumed in hot summers. No doubt it quenches the thirst as well as gives energy to the body.
As the commercialization is increasing, small hawkers on rehari and thela sells this refreshing cold shikanji and even the famous Jain Shikanji sells the masala shikanji powder apart from having an outlet near the Modinagar Police station.
Shikanji in packed bottles is the new concept now by the Fresh Food Concepts Pvt Ltd. - a company that sells lemon water in the name of the Original Shikanji Co.
Krishi Jagran Team met the Director of the company, Shri Manu Bhasin. He told that shikanji with seven flavours, which includes - Masala Shikanji (lemonade with spices); Anar Shikanji (lemonade with spices); Jamun Shikanji (lemonade with spices);Aam Panna; Raw Mango;Peach Iced Tea and Lemon Mint Iced Tea – is available in the market.
India has its own love-hate relationship with summers. In our case, the love mostly stems from the great range of seasonal food and drinks unique to the season. Take for instance, a cool glass of shikanji or close cousin of Nimbu Paani . The delicious drink is a staple across streets of North India during summers. Vendors make many litres of the beverage in advance and store in their big earthen pots covered in red cloth. Earthen pots help keeps the beverage cool. Shikanji is sold for a meagre 15-20 rupees a glass across Delhi. One can make shikanji easily at home, too.
Nutritionist Ms. Swati Kapoor says that Nimbu paani also as called lemon water, is one of the healthiest and easiest to make. Having said that, it has many health benefits if included in your day to day life.
Reduces hunger pangs-: If you are feeling hungry and craving for something which is calorie rich, grab a glass of lemon water. Lemon contains fiber which will relieve you of hunger pangs for a very long time.
Nourishes Skin-: Concoction of lemon and water will keep your skin hydrated and lively. It will also keep your skin glowy and healthy due to the presence of vitamin C.
Boost Immune system-: Vitamin C present in lemons is considered to be the best source of immunity.|
Reduces stress-: Stress causes your body to lose potassium from urine. Lemons are a good source of potassium, so by including more potassium aka lemon water, your body can be protected from some of the effects of stress.
Aids in digestion-: Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion due to vitamin C but also helps to relieve the symptoms like bloating, cramps, burping, heartburn.
Cleanses liver-: Lemon juice stimulates the liver's bile production that pushes toxins out from the body. It also prevents the buildup of gallstones and promotes liver function in the movement of gastric juices.
