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Mahashivratri, the night of Lord Shiva, is the most revered and auspicious festival dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion across India. On this night, the devotees keep an all-night vigil and worship Shiva Lingam, the symbol of Lord Shiva. Special pujas and abhishekams are performed in the temples of Shiva. This year, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024.
The milk in thandai gives you protein and calcium for strong bones and muscles. As per the National Library of Medicine, ingredients like cardamom and saffron are antioxidants that protect your cells. The tasty nuts in thandai have fibre that keeps you regular. No constipation allowed! Fennel seeds calm upset tummies and bloating too. Rose petals keep your insides happy with their cooling powers. Poppy seeds also help food move smoothly through your system. Thandai's mix of nuts, seeds, and flowers makes it a delightful drink that's nice to your gut. Just a cup keeps your digestion running smoothly, so your tummy stays comfortable. The ingredients work together to reduce inflammation, prevent constipation, and ease gas.
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How Beneficial Are Ingredients Of Thandai
Milk - Milk provides protein for energy and calcium for strong bones. It also contains vitamin D which is good for immune health.
Almonds - Almonds are a nutritious snack. As per the National Library of Medicine they provide protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, magnesium and fibre. Eating almonds can help lower cholesterol.
Pistachios - Pistachios are a tasty nut that contains healthy fats, protein, fibre and antioxidants. They may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Cashews- Cashews contain heart-healthy fats, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. They can help promote bone health.
Raisins – As per the National Library of Medicine, raisins give you fibre, potassium and antioxidants. They are a sweet treat that can help digestion and heart health.
Poppy seeds - Poppy seeds provide manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium and iron. They may help strengthen bones, nerves and blood vessels.
Cardamom - Cardamom has antioxidants that fight inflammation and bacteria. It aids digestion and can help treat bad breath.
Saffron - Saffron is a spice with antioxidants that may have vision-enhancing, mood-lifting and anti-inflammatory effects.
Fennel seeds - Fennel seeds provide vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and fibre. They help treat digestive issues like bloating, gas and colic.
Rose petals - Rose petals contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They have anti-inflammatory effects and help soothe sore throats.
Water - Water makes up most of your body weight. It carries nutrients, removes waste, regulates temperature and keeps you hydrated.
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When/When Not To Drink Thandai
Thandai is a tasty drink that many people love. But is it good for you if you're not feeling your best? Let's talk about some special cases.
If You Have Diabetes
Thandai has a lot of sugar. Too much can make your blood sugar go up fast. It can also make it harder to lose weight. If you have diabetes, only drink a little bit of Thandai at a time.
If You're Pregnant
Thandai is good for pregnant women. The ingredients help the baby grow strong. Pregnancy can cause heartburn and tummy troubles. Thandai helps with that. One good part of Thandai is saffron. It helps heal skin. Pregnancy can cause stretch marks. Saffron in Thandai can reduce scarring.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Full Cream Milk: 1 1/2 litres
- Almonds blanched and peeled: 25
- Cashewnuts soaked: 20
- Pistachios blanched and peeled: 30
- Melon seeds (magaz) soaked: 3 tbsp
- Poppy seeds (khuskhus/posto) soaked: 3 tbsp
- Saffron (kesar): a few strands
- Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Green cardamoms: 8-10
- Rose petals: 20-25
- Cinnamon: 1-inch stick
- Black peppercorns: 8-10
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Making Thandai is super easy and yummy!
First, take almonds, cashews, pistachios, melon seeds and poppy seeds. Grind them into a paste with a little milk. Put milk in a pan and bring it to a boil. Add some saffron and mix it in. When the milk starts boiling, add sugar and let it simmer until the sugar melts. Now take green cardamoms, dried rose petals, cinnamon and black pepper. Grind them into a fine powder. Add the nut paste to the hot milk and mix it up. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Then put the spice powder in the milk and mix it all together. Let the milk chill in the fridge, then serve the Thandai. It's cool, sweet and spicy - so delicious!
