THE MISPERCEPTION OF SUGARCANE JUICE

If only the small vendors on the streets promoted Ganne kaa Ras as ‘cold pressed’, ‘anti –tan’, ’vitamin enriched’ and ‘weight loss’ drink, we would have felt so ‘up-market’ about ourselves standing by his cart, watching the sugarcane stalks crushing into this beautiful green coloured juice.

THE OFTEN IGNORED BENEFITS OF SUGARCANE JUICE

This summer cooler not only rehydrates but offers many other benefits for we urban Indians-

1. “So much sugar!”- I most commonly hear this from my clients every time I ask them to down a glass of sugarcane juice. As a matter of fact, sugarcane juice has low glycemic index (GI). Eating foods that have a low GI is recommended as a nutritional strategy for diabetes, weight gain, insulin resistance and PCOD

2. If you have hopped on to the newest diet trend wagon of alkaline diets, know that sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature. Your diet surely will not get more delicious than this

3. Go to the newest beauty clinic you know and you will hear your dermatologist swear by glycolic peels to take off your wrinkles, acne, sun tan or to work on the uneven skin tone. Know that sugarcane being a rich source of this glycolic acid, these peels are actually derived from sugarcane. Ouch!! Did it just hurt your pocket??

 Other Indian summer foods & drinks that will benefit you-

1. 10 Reasons to Eat Mangoes in Summer
2.  Enjoy local Tadgolas (toddy palm) in Summer
3. Rice- To Beat the Heat
4. Are Sabja Seeds part of your Summer Diet?
5. Cool and Healthy Indian Summer Drink- Variyali Sherbet
6. The ancient and exotic Neera!

VARIYALI SHERBET

Until detox drinks got glamourized by the ‘weight loss’ industry, almost all ‘Gujju’ households would be swearing by their Variyali sherbet for its great taste and heat reducing virtues.

Made from saunf or fennel seeds, Variyali sherbet is an instant summer cooler.

THE MANY BENEFITS OF SAUNF (OR FENNEL)-

WEIGHT LOSS & DETOX– Saunf contains flavonoid called ‘Kaempferol’. This is the same compound that gives ‘antioxidant’, ‘detox’ and ‘weight loss’ properties to green tea. So if you are looking to get thinner, a glass of Variyali sherbet is all you need!

Have a glassful before you get into your favourite dress for a beach party this season

REMEDY FOR PMS & MENSTRUAL CRAMPS– A rich source of vital minerals like selenium and zinc, saunf helps maintain hormonal balance, regulate periods and reduces PMS. It also gives relief from menstrual cramps. This is because of its anti spasmodic properties, which is at work here

DIGESTIVE & ANTI-INFLAMMATION– According to Ayurveda, it has ‘Agnikrut’ qualities – that which improves digestive strength. The anti-inflammatory effects of saunf rids you of bloating and flatulence.

– When to have it? – Have a glass around 3pm, as your post lunch snack

 Other Indian summer foods & drinks that will benefit you-

1. Sugarcane Juice- A Summer Drink To Relish
2. 10 Reasons to Eat Mangoes in Summer
3. Rice- To Beat the Heat
4. Are Sabja Seeds part of your Summer Diet?
5. Enjoy local Tadgolas (Toddy palm) in Summer
6. The ancient and exotic Neera!

SABJA SEEDS: The Great Summer Superfood

“Ahem, excuse us chia, sabja seed is on its way!”

The seeds of tulsi: sabja/ takhmaria/ falooda seeds are soon to be hailed as the new superfood from the East

3 Main Benefits of Sabja Seeds

– A natural detox and body coolant, it comes to your rescue if you are experiencing acidity, bloating or a headache.

– Rich source of ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid). ALA is associated with accelerated fat burning and weight loss

– Its optimum fibre content makes you feel full and reduces food cravings

How to consume Sabja Seeds

– Soak it in water for about an hour and add the soaked sabja seeds to your dahi, chaas, buttermilk, sherbets, milkshakes etc

– Or simply add it to a glass of water with a pinch of salt and some sugar and drink it up!

 Other Indian summer foods & drinks that will benefit you-

1. 10 Reasons to Eat Mangoes in Summer
2.  Enjoy local Tadgolas (toddy palm) in Summer
3. Rice- To Beat the Heat
4. Sugarcane Juice- A Summer Drink To Relish
5. Cool and Healthy Indian Summer Drink- Variyali Sherbet
6. The ancient and exotic Neera!