Is Thandai Good For Your Health?

Holi is a festival of colors, joy, and traditions, and no Holi celebration feels complete without a chilled glass of Thandai! But have you ever wondered—Is Thandai good for your health?

This spiced, creamy, and nutty drink is not just delectable but also full of goodness. Made with milk, almonds, fennel, saffron, and spices, Thandai has been enjoyed with bhang for generations, especially during Holi and Shivratri. When it comes to the health quotient of Thandai, it is important to monitor the quantity of sugar and bhang.

In this article, we will discuss the health benefits of drinking Thandai, which include cooling effects and an energy boost. These health benefits of Thandai and its different healthy variations make it a must-have during celebrations. Get ready to sip on some festive goodness!

What Is Thandai And How Is It Made?
5 Variations Of Thandai For Holi
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Thandai? 10 Health Benefits Of Thandai
Can I Drink Thandai Every Day?
Dietitian’s Recommendation
The Final Say
FAQs
References

What Is Thandai And How Is It Made?

Thandai is an ancient Indian beverage prepared with milk, nuts, seeds, and spices. It is used in festivals such as Holi and Mahashivratri because of its cooling and refreshing nature. Thandai is named after Thanda, which is the Hindi word for "cool," since it helps beat the heat.

How Is Thandai Prepared?

To prepare Thandai, almonds, cashews, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cardamom, black pepper, and saffron are ground along with rose water to make a tasty paste. The paste is then added to cold milk and sweetened using sugar, or healthy sweeteners like dates, jaggery or honey. Bhang (cannabis) may also be used in some forms for a festive high. Post-mixing, the liquid is strained and served chilled with crushed nuts and rose petals topping it.

Also Read: Summer Survival: 20 Foods & Drinks To Reduce Body Heat & Keep You Hydrated

5 Healthy Variations Of Thandai For Holi

5 Variations Of Thandai For Holi

Thandai is widely consumed mainly during the festivals like Mahashivratri and holi in India. As India is a vast country so thandai is prepared in many ways, each region has its own variation of making thandai therefore there are many variations of thandai but out of them all addition of bhang wali Thandai drink is the most common and popular drink all over the country for festivals like holi.

Some of the most common variations of thandai are:

1. Rose Thandai

If you're a fan of Royal Rose, you'll love Rose Thandai. This version is healthy because it uses natural ingredients like low-fat or skim milk, dry fruits, and fresh pink petals or gulkand. Avoid using rose essence for a more authentic taste. To prepare Rose Thandai:

Add 2 tbsp sugar-free Thandai powder, some rose petals, and 1 tbsp honey in a blender.
Add a glass of milk and blend until smooth.
Garnish with dried pink petals or buds for a charming presentation.
You can also add gulkand (avoid if you wish to avoid sugar) or crushed fresh pink petals to enhance the flavor.

2. Mango Thandai

For mango lovers, this is a delightful twist on traditional Thandai. To make Mango Thandai:

Soak 5 almonds, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, and some rose petals overnight.
Peel the almond skin and grind all ingredients into a fine paste.
Mix 1/2 glass milk with some pepper, and cardamom powder.
Add mango puree made with 1 medium sized mango and blend again. Taste and if you wish to add to sweetness, add 1 tbsp of jaggery powder or honey.
Top with nuts, seeds, mango jelly, or tutti-fruits for a vibrant presentation.

3. Almond Milk Thandai

Perfect for those looking for a low-calorie, high-energy drink, Almond Milk Thandai is a refreshing alternative. To make it:

Soak 10-12 almonds overnight.
Now blend peeled soaked almonds, some pepper, ilaychi and cardamom powder (or use 1 tbsp Thandai powder), with 1 glass of water.
Add honey or jaggery to taste and mix well.
Serve with almond flakes and saffron for added flavor and nutrition.

4. Tea Thandai

This unique version combines the cooling effects of Thandai with the flavor of tea. To prepare Tea Thandai:

Cook 1 glass milk with some tea leaves, cardamom, and dry fruits.
Let it cool, then add 1 tbsp Thandai powder.
Enjoy as a refreshing ice tea alternative.

5. Bhang Thandai

For those who enjoy a traditional Holi experience, Bhang Thandai is a popular choice. This version includes cannabis, which gives it euphoric effects. To make Bhang Thandai:

Soak cannabis in water for two hours.
Create a paste and filter it with a muslin cloth.
Mix it in a glass of milk. Add 1 tbsp thandai powder, some honey or jagger and cardamom powder.

What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Thandai?

Now, let’s have a look at the health benefits of Thandai

1. Enhances Immunity

Thandai is a great drink to boost the immune system and contains almonds, cashews, melon seeds, saffron and black pepper, all rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C (from rose petals) and zinc (from nuts and seeds) help fight infections and promote faster recovery. Vitamin C is well documented for its role in increasing immunity.

2. Prevents Constipation

The health benefits of fibre in the seeds, nuts and fennel promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation by helping smooth bowel movements. Poppy seeds present in Thandai also assist in alleviating gastrointestinal irritation and preventing constipation. Rose petals and other spices also contribute to a calming effect on the digestive system, ensuring overall digestive health.

3. Improves Digestion

The seeds of fennel, poppy seeds and cardamom in Thandai stimulate digestive enzymes, reduce flatulence and prevent acidity. These ingredients also help to calm stomach lining and improve digestion. Also, fennel has carminative properties that help keep the gut health strong and free from inflammation.

4. Increases Energy

Thandai comes under energy-boosting foods given it’s full of healthy fats, proteins, and natural sugars made of nuts, milk, and seeds. B-complex vitamins present in nuts and seeds play an essential role in energy metabolism, improving the thermic effect of food and effectively convert food into energy.

5. Fights Infections

Drinking Thandai can help fight infections because the ingredients in Thandai, such as black pepper, cloves, and saffron, contain antibacterial and antiviral components that guard the body against both bacterial and viral infections.

Also, spices, including pepper and cloves, help enhance immunity and fight infection even further. Sometimes, Thandai also contains mishri crystals, which check and treat cold, cough, and throat infections.

6. Detoxifies The Body

Poppy, fennel, and cardamom are foods that purify blood and help to wash toxins from the body. These ingredients have mild diuretic properties that help in the function and detoxification of the kidneys. Traditionally, fennel and cardamom have been used for detoxification post-celebration and today research has revealed that it’s attributed to their bioactive compounds like limonene and fenchone.

7. Improves Hydration

Hydration plays a key role in the regulation of temperature and metabolic functions. Thanks to its milk base and hydrating ingredients such as petals and seeds, Thandai keeps the body cool and well hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.

Also Read: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Milk And Honey That You Probably Didn’t Know!

8. Reduces Stress

Saffron, almonds, and flower petals in Thandai have adaptogenic moods that help reduce stress and anxiety. Saffron is particularly known for its role in improving mood and reducing the symptoms of depression.

9. Prevents Allergies And Colds

Consumption of Thandai prevents colds and allergies because of the presence of fennel seeds and cardamom, which have compounds such as anethole and limonene. These compounds are natural decongestants that help in respiratory health. Eugenol present in cardamom also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in immune function.

10. Promotes Brain Health

The presence of nuts, seeds, and saffron in Thandai contributes to cognitive function, memory improvement, and neurological health. Almonds and cashews are rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain function.

Can I Drink Thandai Every Day?

Although Thandai is a healthy drink with numerous health advantages, it is advisable not to consume it daily because it is rich in calories and sugar. Thandai has nuts, seeds, and full-fat milk, making it energy-dense but also likely to be fattening if taken in excess.

Nevertheless, if you wish to drinking it daily, use low-fat milk and cut back on added sugar so that it can be a healthier choice. Moderation is the key to savoring Thandai without compromising your diet or health.

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Thandai is a nutritious drink rich in various nutrients, making it a delightful addition to your diet. Traditionally enjoyed during Holi celebrations, it can also be a great inclusion in your summer routine. As an expert, I recommend incorporating homemade or preservative-free Thandai into your diet during festivals. This way, you can reap its numerous benefits while enjoying its refreshing and delicious taste during Holi. However, creating your own Thandai is where the real magic lies!

Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

Thandai is not only a solemn indulgence but also a nutrient-rich health drink with numerous benefits, from increasing immunity to improving digestion, reducing stress, and providing brain health support. Nuts and seeds used in Thandai, such as almonds, pistachios and poppy seeds, are rich in healthy fats, proteins and fibre. Thandai also contains various vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Thanks to its mixture of natural ingredients, it is a functional drink that you can enjoy outside of special occasions, especially in warm weather, to remain hydrated, stress-free, and healthy.

FAQs

1. Can I drink thandai during weight loss?

Thandai contains nuts, seeds and whole milk, which makes it nutritious and rich in energy. Although it is not specifically a weight loss drink, it can be included in a balanced diet if it is consumed in moderation. The decision on low -fat milk or substitutes like almond milk and limiting added sugar can be a healthier choice for those who control their weight.

2. What is the right time to drink Thandai?

Thandai is best consumed during hot weather, especially during festivals like Holi and Mahashivratri. It is ideal for summer days when temperatures are high, as it provides a cooling effect.

3. Can we drink Thandai at night?

Yes, Thandai can be consumed at night, but it is traditionally enjoyed during the day, especially in warm weather, because of its cooling properties. If it is consumed at night, it is best to have it in moderation, because the presence of nuts and milk can be difficult for some individuals.

4. Is it important to consume Thandai in moderation?

Yes, the consumption of Thandai in moderation is essential due to the high sugar content. Otherwise, this could lead to blood sugar and weight gain.

5. Is Thandai hot or cold for the body?

Thandai is considered a cold drink for the body, as it is traditionally consumed chilled and contains ingredients like almonds, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds that have cooling properties.

6. What is the difference between lassi and Thandai?

Lassi is a yoghurt-based drink, often flavored with spices or fruits, while Thandai is a milk-based drink made with nuts, seeds, and spices. Thandai has a more complex flavor profile and is traditionally associated with Holi.

7. What are the side effects of drinking Thandai?

Generally, Thandai is safe and beneficial. However, some versions like Bhang Thandai, which contains cannabis, can cause intoxication if taken in excess. For most people, Thandai is a healthy drink without significant side effects.

References

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Is Thandai Good For Your Health? Benefits and 5 Healthy Variations For Holi

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