Health Benefits Of Chilled Thandai

By Sindhu Bharadwaj

Holi is the festival of colours that celebrates the commemoration of spring. It is a significant Indian festival celebrated predominantly in the northern part of India and around the world among Hindu communities. Holi is celebrated with great fervour. Holi represents the victory of good over evil. It also remarks the salvation of Prahlad, son of Hiranyakashyapu, whose atrocities ruined the world. Holi is also symbolic of adding happiness and joy to our lives with the colours.

Holi is just not the same without a glass of Bhang and Thandai. Apart from colours, the essence of Holi remains in Thandai, a cool and spiced milk that is made with milk, sugar, spices and dry fruits. Thandai literally means something that is cold or something that cools. A typical thandai contains cardamom, saffron, milk, sugar, fennel seeds, pepper, poppy seeds, pistachios, rose petals and melon seeds. Thandai has its own health benefits. Here are a few of them you should know.

Health benefits of thandai:

Health Benefits Of Chilled Thandai

Immune booster- With an array of spices and dry fruits used for the preparation, thandai can be a great immune booster. Dry fruits like pistachios, almonds and dates have plenty of anti-oxidant properties, phosphorous and protein which is essential for the body. Almonds have good cholesterol and Vitamin E which is essential for skin and hair.

Aids digestion- Spices like fennel, pepper, cardamom are known for their special digestive properties which aids digestion and improves bowel movement, thus detoxifying the body naturally and cleansing the blood.

Saffron- It is known as the golden spice that prevents arthritis, cancer and improves vision. It is also known to enhance the complexion and prevent indigestion, flatulence, baldness and treat blood pressure.

Milk- The highest source of calcium and protein is present in milk. It not only acts as a natural coolant, but also strengthens the bones and teeth. Milk also helps in the growth of stronger muscles.

Melon seeds- These seeds contain protein, Vitamin A, B and E which are essential for the heart, bones and hair. They also contain beta-carotene which reduces depression, headache tension and cools the body. It also boosts fertility in both male and females.

Rose petals- The soft and tender petals are an excellent detoxifying ingredient. It can cure diarrhea, irregular periods, cleanse the kidneys and clean the digestive tract. It is also an excellent remedy for throat infection and running nose. The petals also provide relief from insomnia and nervous weakness.

The health benefits of thandai are limitless, it also has all nutrients like iron, manganese, phosphorous, protein, carbohydrate, fats and vitamins in the right proportion required for a healthy body and mind. So, are you drinking a glass of chilled thandai to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours?

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.

Story first published: Monday, March 25, 2013, 18:52 [IST]
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