Lassi - Refresher Summer Drink

Lassi is a popular yogurt based drink. It is as healthy and nutritious as yogurt. In Pakistan, it is the most famous summer drink. It is a hot weather refreshment. It is one of the easiest drinks to make.

It is a traditional Pakistani dairy beverage, originally from Punjab, made by blending yoghurt with water, salt, and spices (depending on the type of lassi) until the drink becomes frothy. It is consumed by over one billion Asians throughout the world. With its smooth, cool and refreshing taste, it is the perfect accompaniment to the hot and spicy flavours that epitomise Pakistani cuisine.

This traditional drink is economical and plentiful in Pakistan, where cows and buffalo provide an overflow of dairy-based recipes. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavoured with ground roasted cumin. In Punjab lassi sometimes uses a little milk and is topped with a thin layer of malai, clotted cream. Lassi is enjoyed chilled as a hot-weather refreshment. With a little turmeric powder mixed in, it is also used as a folk remedy for gastroenteritis.

Lassi can be of many types, but below are some of the most popular drink of summer-

- Sweet Lassi
- Salty Lassi(Chaas)
- Mango Lassi
- Pineapple Lassi

Its versatility, though, doesn’t end there. You can have your lassi sweetened with sugar or fruits. The ultimate luxury – saffron lassi – is popular in the Sindh region of Pakistan and Jodhpur (Rajasthan).

During Holi, the Indian festival of colors that marks the advent of spring, revelers frequently consume bhang lassi, bhang being a liquid derivative of cannabis – an occasion to let one’s hair down sanctioned by religion and culture!

Drinks for summer coolants

Summers are on with full swing and the scorching sun is stealing one’s comfort. doctors are advised to drink plenty of water and other healthy drinks so that the body system doesn’t suffer loss of water.

There are many natural ingredients that are also excellent body coolants. Watch out for any signs of dehydration such as tiredness, nausea, hot and dry skin, headache, quickening of heart beat, dizziness and acute thirst, and keep your-self hydrated this summer, with these natural coolants.

A dose of H2O:
Our body is composed of 80% of water; it plays a crucial role in smooth functioning of our body. Drink a glass of water in morning as it eliminates toxins and food remnants stuck in the intestines. Indeed, it cleanses the digestive system.

Fresh coconut water:
Coconut water naturally detoxifies your body by cleansing your digestive tract. "It has the ability to fights germs, viruses and bacteria. Drinking coconut water will boost your immunity. Its also hydrates your body.

Bottle gourd juice:
Bottle gourd juice is an excellent natural remedy for those who suffer from indigestion and acidity problems. "This is because of its alkaline nature. The fibre in bottle gourd also cures indigestion problems,

Kokum Factoid: is an evergreen herb, found in the western coast of South India. The fruit of the herb, that is purple in color, is usually deseeded and dried before cooking. Kokum is rich in anti-oxidants and has good cooling properties, and is also a remedy for diarrhea and is a good liver tonic.

Green tea:
Green tea is a natural antioxidant. "It contains polyphenols which help in the regulation of glucose in the blood. Polyphenols inhibit the movement of glucose into the fat cells, thus preventing them from entering the blood stream.

Rose extract: is also a popular cooling ingredient, which could be stocked at home, and added as and when required to cold desserts, chilled milk, shakes or lassis.

Orange juice punch:
Oranges are a rich source of Vitamin C; they also contain flavnoids an essential antioxidant that protects the immune system of our body against bacteria and germs.

So, beat the heat with these refreshing drinks and stay healthy!