Thandai, also known as shardai, is a popular Indian drink that is consumed for festivals, to boost energy, and for curing colds. It is a cold beverage that is prepared using a mixture of fennel seeds, almonds, watermelon kernels, pepper, rose petals, cardamom, vetiver seeds, saffron, milk, and sugar. It is most commonly consumed in northwestern India, and is heavily associated with the Maha Shivaratri and Holi festivals. Thandai comes in many different variations, where one or more of the defining ingredients are substituted for others, like badam (almond) or bhaang (cannabis).
This wonderful drink does not just taste well and festive, it also possesses a large amount of powerful health benefits. Being such a large amalgamation of various ingredients, it is easy to imagine that each ingredient has its own benefits.
Health Benefits of Thandai
Almonds
Almonds are rich in health fats, protein, and vitamin E, which makes it the perfect food to eat for your skin and hair health. Eating almonds is also good for your heart, and the dietary fiber helps to curb your appetite and achieve weight loss.
Pistachios
The pistachios used in thandai help with hemoglobin production thanks to their vitamin B6 content. Vitamin B6 also boosts your immune system which is what you want to be drinking during seasonal changes when you’re prone to catching a cold.
Watermelon seeds or pumpkin seeds
These seeds are rich in dietary fiber and protein, and they will give your body lots of energy. They are also rich in iron and zinc which is necessary for blood cell production.
Cooling effect and improved digestion in the summer
Summer is a common time to come down with indigestion thanks to eating all the fried and spicy foods. The ingredients in thandai help to soothe the heat building up in your stomach and regulate your body temperature.
