Holi special – Health Benefits Of Chilled Thandai

Thandai does a lot more to your health than just lifting up your spirits during Holi. Often served chilled, this Holi drink is known to rise up your energy levels. What’s more…In addition to refilling the fluid loss in your body during summer, Thandai also aids digestion.

Nuts and dry fruits in Thandai give us energy, spices like blackpepper and clove increase immunity and help us fight infections while rose petals, fennel and saffron prevent indigestion. A combination of richness, the heat from spices and the cooling effect of rose and fennel make up the perfect balance of flavours in this perfect cold beverage for holi.

The ingredients present in thandai have several health benefits. Today, we look into health benefits offered by thandai

Boosts Immunity – 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.

Improves 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.

Fennel seeds possess volatile oils which are known for its antioxidants, anti-flatulence, cooling properties.

Peppercorn is considered as the king of spices, it has medicinal properties as it has piperine in it. It is also loaded with many minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, iron and vitamin A.

Pistachios help in haemoglobin production because they are rich in vitamin B6. This vitamin also boosts the immunity, so you are less likely to catch a cold when the season changes. Like almonds, they are rich in fiber and Vitamin E, so they make you look good!

Saffron – the active components in saffron have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-oxidant, digestive, anti-convulsant. It is also known as the golden spice that prevents arthritis, cancer and improves vision

Almonds are full of good fats and protein. It is also rich in vitamin E making it great for your skin and hair. Almonds are good for the heart. Being rich in fiber they also help in weight loss.

Milk is a complete food (expect for iron and vitamin C). It is good source of calcium and protein for vegetarians. It is also a rich source of micro nutrients like zinc, phosphorus and iron. It not only acts as a natural coolant, but also strengthens the bones and teeth. Milk also helps in the growth of stronger muscles.

Watermelon and pumpkin seeds both, are a great source of energy and a good source of protein, fiber, Vitamin A, B and E which are essential for the heart, bones and hair. Watermelon seeds for instance, are rich in iron while pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. 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.