Gond Katira: 5 Health Benefits Of This Cooling Herb

During summer and monsoon, we experience intense fatigue and weakness due to the scorching temperature and humidity. Therefore, it is important to keep our bodies cool from within. Most people prefer ice cream and cold drinks in this situation, but they are extremely unhealthy. There are many natural foods available which keep the body cool without any side effects such as coconut water, buttermilk and cucumbers. These food items also provide us with essential nutrients that improve our overall health. Gond katira is another such ingredient that is known for its cooling properties.  

What Is Gond Katira 

Gond katira is a natural gum that is obtained from the dried saps of locoweed plants. Also known as tragacanth gum, it is very popular in Indian kitchens during summers. Used in a variety of dishes such as kulfi, falooda, smoothies and lassi, it is a rich source of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats. This magical herb is perfect for all three seasons. 

Here are five incredible health benefits of gond katira: 

Keeps The Body Cool

Gond katira is widely used during summer as a natural cooling agent. Consuming this herb regularly during summer helps in reducing the risk of heat strokes. According to a report by Netmeds, it also controls nose-bleeding issues that are common in children during hot summers. It can be consumed as shikanji, milk shakes as well as ice cream. 

Promotes Liver Health

The liver is a vital organ that is responsible for several functions in the body including detoxification, digestion and vitamin storage. As it is the hardest-functioning organ in the body, liver is more prone to damage due to factors like unhealthy diet and alcohol overdose. Including gond katira in the diet helps in removing the toxins from the blood and enhancing liver function. 

Supports Digestion 

According to Healthshots, the enzymes present in this ingredient promotes digestion and regularises bowel moments. It is helpful in treating gut problems like constipation and diarrhea. Dietary fibre of gond katira also helps in regulating the function of intestines.  

Boosts Immune System 

Gond katira is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that boost immunity. According to Healthshots, it stimulates the immune system that aids in fighting against the foreign pathogen in the body. If you have a cold, cough or flu, then gond katira can be very beneficial for curing the infection. 

Good For Weight Loss

Being a good source of fibre, gond katira provides the body with an adequate amount of energy that helps in boosting metabolism and burning calories. According to Netmeds, regular consumption of this food item reduces the untimely hunger pangs and keeps you full for a long period of time. 

Here is an easy recipe to make gond katira kheer at home: 

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp gond katira (washed & soaked overnight in fridge) 
• ½ cup poha 
• 4 tsp milk powder 
• 1 cup sugar 
• ½ tsp elaichi powder 
• 1 tsp rose water  
• Saffron strands 
• Pistachios for garnish

Method 

• Roast poha in a pan on low flame till slightly crisp. Then grind it to a powder. Now heat milk and add saffron strands to it. 
• Bring the milk to a boil and slowly keep adding poha powder. Then add milk powder followed by sugar. Mix well till sugar melts.  
• Switch off the flame and transfer it into a bowl. Add elaichi powder and mix well. Now add gond katira, rose water and mix well. Keep in the freezer for 30 minutes.  
• Pour into serving cups and garnish with pistachios and enjoy.