Summer in India is getting hotter and hotter as the years pass on. Summer 2021 will also not be any different as most meteorological sub-divisions and regions along the North, Northwest and Northeast India, in addition to a few areas in the East will experience above normal maximum temperatures (seasonal) during March, April and May. Above normal minimum temperatures (seasonal) are also predicted over regions lying along the foothills of the Himalayas, northeastern and southern states during the next three months.

 

Dabbing sunscreen, wearing shades, covering exposed body parts to confine exposure to the sun is very regular in protecting oneself during summers. Alongside all these, you need to devour a nutritious eating regimen and stay hydrated to fight soaring  temperatures. 

Since we sweat a lot throughout the summer, there is a possibility that we may experience the ill effects of dehydration. When our body loses a lot of water and salts we feel dehydrated. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent dehydration like drinking a lot of water and also increase fluid intake.

 

Despite the fact that sugarcane juice, coconut water, falooda with sabja seeds, gola (ice lollies) are accessible at each nook and corner in our country, Covid is rising dramatically so staying home and making coolers at home is no big deal. This summer, keep yourself all around hydrated by tasting some the best desi summer coolers that are not difficult to make at home.

• Shikanji: A lemonade enhanced beverage with roasted cumin powder and black salt preferences far superior to the standard nimbu paani and is a moment energy supporter. Simply blend some lemon squeeze in with sugar and water solution (or syrup), add cumin powder, black salt or table salt and some chilled water

• Bael sharbat: The fruit also known as wood apple, stone apple or Bengal quince is utilized to make sherbet. Famous in northern India, bael sharbat is an aid for the people who experience the ill effects of stomach related issues. It decontaminates blood, supports insusceptibility (being plentiful in nutrient C) and wellbeing of the liver and kidneys. Crack open the ripe fruit and collect the pulp in a large bowl. Mash the pulp with your fingers, add chilled water and sugar or jaggery and mix well. Strain and season it with table salt or dark salt, broken pepper and so on.

• Khus sharbat: One of the most customary summer coolers, Khus sherbet is made by blending khus extract with sugar syrup and chilled water. You can add lemon juice, salt and so forth to jazz it up. Khus extract is produced using the roots/grass of Vetiver and all you need is to clean, wash and douse the vetiver grass (dried grass is effectively accessible) in some water (ideally in an earthen pot). Strain and heat up the concentrate with sugar and water (1:1 proportion) till the solution is sweet. Strain, cool and store in a jug. You can undoubtedly get khus syrup in business sectors, which typically accompanies added green tone.

• Kokum sherbet: A phenomenal summer drink that keeps acidity under control, Kokum sherbet is made utilizing kokum (Garcinia Indica) syrup. Simply drench the Kokum natural product/skins/petals in some water and press. Strain and heat up the concentrate with sugar (1:1 sugar and water proportion) till the sugar liquefies. Utilize 2-3 tsp of this concentrate with some salt and pepper for seasoning and add chilled water. You can likewise make kokum concentrate by blending new kokum natural products with twofold the amount of sugar and saving it in daylight for a week or till the sugar softens.

• Chaas: Just whisk some dahi with ice cubes, a pinch of salt, black salt and broken black pepper till foamy. Add water, blend well and pour in glasses. Garnish with some roasted cumin powder and new mint leaves. 

• Lassi: Freshly churned lassi, sweet or savoury, unflavoured or fruit flavoured, is healthy and yummy in each and every avatar.

• Aam panna: The best thing about summer is the abundance of mangoes. Roasted or boiled raw mango, pulped and blended in with water, black salt, cumin powder and sugar or jaggery is a sheer delight in a glass! So summery, yet so soothing.

 

While being indoors and Sitting in air conditioned rooms is not the only way to beat the heat. There are natural home-made remedies which, if followed thoroughly can do wonders.

• “Eat light-Be kind to your stomach”--avoid deep-fried foods like samosas, kachoris, vadas, chips and bhajjis, or extra spicy curries with red meat. 

• Have juicy fruits- -Fruits with high water content like watermelons, musk melons, grapes, peaches, and sweet lime cool the body while rehydrating it

• Practise pranayam--A study published in the Indian Journal Of Physiology And Pharmacology in 2013 found that practising the 2:1 breathing technique, where you exhale twice of what you inhale, not only cools your body but also calms the nervous system, lowers the heart rate, decreases blood pressure, eases muscle tension and lowers body temperature.

• Avoid strenuous exercise--instead, do mid-intensity indoor exercise. If you choose the outdoors, try to exercise early in the morning or in the evening. Yoga, walking, a light jog, cycling or a swim are ideal.

Above all drink ample amounts of water (minimum 8-10 glasses). Get hold of a friend, set a goal of drinking a glass full of water in every hour or two and aim to beat your partner. Competition is definitely going to motivate you towards drinking more.