Holi: Who Should Avoid Drinking Thandai?

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Just like the colours, Holi is incomplete without thandai. The cold drink Thandai is made from a combination of almonds, fennel seeds, watermelon kernels, rose petals, pepper, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, milk, and sugar.

Despite its traditional association with a variety of spices and nuts, thandai can also be prepared in a variety of different ways [1].

Among the common varieties of thandai are rose thandai, mango thandai, badaam kesar thandai and bhang thandai.

Intoxicating effects are caused when consumed by consuming bhang thandai, a drink containing THC and other cannabinoids, derived from cannabis. The fat content of whole milk, along with ground nuts, assists in dissolving fat-soluble cannabinoids [2].

Can Thandai Be Considered Healthy?

Thandai is consumed throughout India, even during the scorching summer months, as it cools the body and gives an instant boost of energy.

With its high protein content and fiber content, thandai offers instant energy when consumed without bhaang. When consumed without bhaang, thandai has countless benefits.

Thandai is known to cool down the body as it is rich in antioxidants, and it may help restore the mucous lining of the gut.

The thandai contains a number of health-promoting ingredients:

• A good source of fibre, poppy seeds contain calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial to both bone health and heart health. They may also relieve gastrointestinal irritation [3].
• Vitamin C, D, K and E as well as other organic acids such as malic acid, citric acid and pectin are abundant in dried rose petals and contribute to the building of a strong immune system, strengthening digestion, and detoxifying the urinary tract and kidneys [4].
• The herb saunf or fennel has the ability to cool slowly rising temperatures, aid digestion, and treat flatulence [5].
• A variety of spices, including cardamom and peppercorn, are known to boost immunity [6].

Having gained a better understanding of the benefits of thandai, let's discuss who should avoid drinking it.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Thandai?

1. Diabetic people

Because thandai contains a high amount of sugar, it will not only cause your blood sugar levels to spike but it should also be avoided by individuals with diabetes who are unable to control their blood sugar levels [6].

2. Bad for heart health

It has been shown that excessive sugar consumption can increase blood pressure as well as chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways leading to heart disease. As full-fat milk is used in thandai, your blood cholesterol levels and saturated fat levels may increase, increasing your risk of heart disease [7].

3. Hinders weight loss

Drinking thandai may be difficult for people who are trying to lose weight as added sugars add calories without adding nutrients, making it difficult to lose weight as a result. The full-fat milk used in thandai is also not recommended for individuals who wish to lose weight [8].

Apart from these, people who are lactose-intolerant should also avoid drinking thandai.

What Are The Side Effects Of Bhaang?

The term bhang is used to describe an edible mixture which is made from the buds, leaves, and flowers of the female cannabis, or marijuana plant. It is most commonly associated with feelings of euphoria, but it can also lead to anxiety, panic, or depression in some people [9][10].

Moreover, its psychoactive effects may impair short-term memory, coordination, and judgment, and may lead to paranoia and psychosis when consumed in large quantities.

On A Final Note...

The traditional thandai drink is not recommended for health reasons because it contains excessive amounts of sugar and full-fat milk. However, there are healthier versions of thandai that contain much less sugar and milk.

If you don't want FOMO, try making healthier versions of thandai at home.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.