Indian summer is not just about rising temperatures – it is about how well your body can adapt. Whether you are moving through the humid streets or not, the discomfort you feel is not only external; your body is quietly
signalling that something needs attention and balance
In Ayurveda, this internal heat is linked to an increase in “pitta dosha, which represents the fire element in the body. When this fire becomes too strong, it begins to affect your mood, digestion and overall energy.
So what can one do to cool down in the summer? We speak to Chitra BK, Chief of Dietetics, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, to understand the way forward.
What Works Better in Summer?
The summertime brings with it an increase in temperature, and so many people are now turning to traditional home remedies as a way of remaining healthy, hydrated and energised. Two popular drinks during the summer are ash gourd juice and methi seed water. However, they help your body in very different ways.
Benefits of Ash Gourd Juice
Ash gourd juice is cooling and hydrating, while methi seed water is cleansing and stimulating your metabolism. Knowing what the benefits are of each drink will help you in making the decision about which drink will be best for your body’s needs during the summer.
Ash gourd juice can help in water retention; it’s a good source of fibre as it is classified as a water-cluster vegetable. It has probiotics to improve gut health, is an excellent remedy for reducing weight, and is good for reducing belly fat. It contains vitamins and antioxidants, which will keep your body hydrated and feeling fresh during the peak of summer.
Summer can also lead to dehydration, fatigue and discomfort due to heat, and so ash gourd juice is a great way to start the day. It will also digest easily and has been said to help the body naturally reduce body heat, so it may also be beneficial for someone who has indigestion.
Many nutritionists believe that the antimicrobial properties of ash gourd also contribute to gut health and help maintain an electrolyte balance in the body. Because it is so cooling, it is most often recommended for people who experience excessive sweating, heat boils or have acidity during the summer months.
Benefits of Methi Seed Water
On the other hand, methi seed water is cleansing and is better when consumed during summer because it’s one of the major coolants for the body and regulates insulin sensitivity, improves digestion naturally, contributes to weight management, an impact on women’s hormones and reproduction, promotes hair growth and has so many other health benefits
Methi seeds are rich in fibre, folic acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and are a powerhouse of minerals and deeply rooted in Ayurvedic and traditional healing practices. These tiny golden brown seeds manage various health conditions. Infused in water, their versatility makes them easy to incorporate into a daily routine.
When considering which of the two drinks works best in summertime, the answer will depend on what your body needs. If you are trying to rid your body of excess heat, provide hydration, or cool off, ash gourd juice may be the more beneficial option. However, if your goal is to rid your body of toxins through cleansing or improving digestion and balancing your metabolism, you could benefit from moderate consumption of methi seed water. Both drinks possess distinct advantages; therefore, the most significant consideration is that you consume both drinks thoughtfully, in appropriate quantities, and as part of a balanced, nutritious summer diet.
