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The celebration of Holi is incomplete without savouring the cool and comfy Thandai. Infused with several refreshing herbs, satisfying texture of milk and royal flavours of saffron and rose water, Thandai is an ultimate resolution to pull off tiredness from the body. In some parts of North India, Thandai is also served with bhang laddus, making it an intoxicating drink and adding more fun to the celebration.
There are many reasons why Thandai became a significant part of the Holi festival. This refreshing drink has its roots in the holy city of Varanasi and is offered to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Mahashivratri along with Bhang. As Holi and Mahashivratri are celebrated within days of each other, Thandai adds an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment to the celebration.
Thandai is also savoured to welcome the warmth of Summer and enjoy its refreshing flavours in the soaring heat. The ingredients of this drink contain all the necessary herbs and spices that help ward off the heat and also warm the body for the remaining winter. Know these amazing health benefits of drinking thandai for winter and enjoy the festival while savouring it.
6 Health Benefits Of Drinking Thandai
1) Packed With Nutrients
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Thandai is made with several healthy ingredients like almonds, pistachios, cashews, melon seeds, poppy seeds, and spices like saffron, fennel seeds, black pepper, cardamom and rose water. All of these ingredients impart beneficial nutrients to the drink like proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B2 and E. This makes it a powerhouse for summer days.
2) Aids Digestion
The ingredients in Thandai along with cold and churned milk give a cooling effect on the stomach and help reduce gastric problems caused due to warm weather. The calcium, fibres, proteins and fats all work together to help with digestive issues, fight inflammation and make digestive health better. The fennel seeds in thandai are more importantly known for anti-inflammatory properties, so don't forget to include them in your thandai this Holi.
3) Reduces Flatulence
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Many cooling ingredients in thandai help in keeping summer-related issues at bay. Flatulence is caused by gas buildup during warm weather. The cardamom, fennel and saffron have been proven effective in reducing the aftereffects of flatulence which is nausea and heartburn. Moreover, as explained above, fennel is also an anti-inflammatory that helps with bloating problems.
4) Gives An Energy Boost
One glass of Thandai contains 12.2 g of protein, 28.2 g of carbohydrates, 1.4 g of fibre and 24.8 g of fats. This is all you need to keep the body fueled for all day and enjoy festivities to their fullest. But do not only limit the consumption of Thandai to Holi, you can savour it all season long and make it a quick energy booster for when you feel tired during warm days. The recipe of Thandai is very versatile so you can include your favourite seasonal fruits to make it an energy drink.
5) Boosts Immunity
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The healthy ingredients in Thandai collectively make it a soul-filling drink that helps boost the body’s ability to fight diseases. The various nuts and spices combined in this drink are all behind the therapeutic effects of this drink. These nuts and spices contain essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that fight free radical damage and enhance the body’s natural ability to keep diseases at bay.
6) Stress Relief
The aromatic spices like saffron and rose water infuse a pleasing taste in Thandai, which helps in enhancing mood and reducing stress from body and mind. In a study published in 2020, the therapeutic effects of saffron were examined to see its response in enhancing mood and relieving stress. The results were shockingly positive and proved saffron’s effects on mental health. Whereas, rose water aromatherapy effects also showed very surprising results on patients in a study published in 2016, backing its anxiety-reliving properties.
While drinking Thandai on Holi doesn’t need a reason, knowing these health benefits will only add to the joy. Dive into that big glass of Thandai this Holi and savour its delicious flavours while adding to your health.
