During the summer, we constantly feel thirsty. Naturally, we feel like drinking something to satisfy this thirst. In such times, the main requirement is ‘water’. In this season we feel like drinking cold water. It is better to use water stored in earthen pots. We also use water stored in the fridge. However, we should keep in mind that this water is heavier to digest than the water stored in earthen pots. We can drink water that is cooled using ice cubes. Putting Khas(Wala in Marathi) in water increases its coolness. Like Khas, putting Sandalwood, fragrant flowers(clean and chemical free) such as Rose, Mogra(Jasmine), Jai,Jui and Parijatak(night jasmine) is also very beneficial.
One of the important things to keep in mind is that in case of using water from wells and lakes, we must boil it before using. This is because such water is more likely to be contaminated during summer. It is better to use packed water of good quality.
Like water, we can use different drinks to quench our thirst. We should frequently consume drinks or Sharbat such as Panhe(raw Mango Sharbat), Khas,Kokum,Lemon, fresh Neera, Lassi and Tender coconut water. Sugarcane juice that is available in this season is also very good. If we add ginger or lemon to sugarcane juice, it not only makes it tasty but also easy to digest. Before drinking these beverages outside, we should make sure that they are of good quality and prepared in a clean and hygienic environment.
We should consume plenty of juices from various fruits. There is no harm in consuming fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, custard apple(Sitaphal), Ramphal, Pomegranate and Banana, directly or in juice form. We should include various Jams and Jelly of fruits in our diet. It is also advised to consume squashes of different fruits.
Just thinking about ‘Mango’ makes the entire summer more bearable and even comfortable. It is as if nature has compensated for all the troubles of summer in the form of this king of fruit. In this season, having Mango or Aamras is a joyful feast. We can include Mango in the form of Mango Roti, Mango Barfi and Amrakhand. Compared to other fruits, Mango has a special property according to Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, consuming Shikran(banana mixed with milk), fruit salad, and fruit with milk is not allowed. Consuming such foods for a long time can cause various skin diseases. However, Mango is an exception to this. There is no harm in consuming Mango with milk. Therefore, during this time, various dishes like Mango Mastani and Mango Kulfi should be enjoyed to the fullest. There are many varieties of Mango such as Hapus(Alphonso), Payri, etc. All varieties of mangoes can be consumed. In particular, the Hapus Mango is more nutritious. Ice creams, Kulfi and Mastani-like drinks that cool the body can also be taken during this time.
As we recommend the food that can be consumed in this season, we also recommend those that should be avoided. We should avoid dry foods such as Bread, Fenugreek, Drumsticks and Dill as they increase heat in the body and therefore should be completely avoided. Vegetables like bitter gourd increase dryness and reduce strength in the body. Foods made from lentils also have the same effect on the body. Therefore, we should not include all these foods in our diet. Spices like Asafoetida, Mustard seeds, Cinnamon and Ajwain(Owa) are very hot and should be used in less quantities. Another food to avoid is ‘Garlic’. We should be careful while using Chilies, hot spices and red Chili powder. Dry or roasted meat is harmful in this season. We should strictly avoid stale food, fermented food like Idli, dosa, bread and fried food like Bhaji and Batate vada.
Dr Mayuresh Aagte