हिंदी
As the intense summer heat envelops much of India, many people struggle to cope with the high temperatures. Although frozen treats and sugary drinks may provide short-term relief, they can have long-term negative effects on health. Experts recommend turning to naturally cooling foods like fresh fruits, hydrating vegetables, kokum, coconut water, barley water, watermelon, yogurt, and buttermilk for relief. The sweltering heat can also lead to a decreased appetite, which is why many people add yogurt to their meals to improve taste and encourage eating, as it can make food more appealing in hot weather.
However, Ayurveda cautions against excessive consumption of yogurt, as it is considered “hot” and heavy to digest, which can be harmful during the summer if not consumed properly. If eaten in moderation and in the right way, yogurt provides essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6.
Among popular summer dishes is raita, but not all raita recipes are equally beneficial. According to a Yoga teacher and nutritionist, cucumber raita should be avoided in summer, while lauki (bottle gourd) raita is recommended. Ayurveda suggests that the combination of yogurt and cucumber can produce excess mucus, leading to sinus congestion, whereas lauki and yogurt are easier on digestion and can help with constipation.
