Thandai is a traditional Indian drink that is typically made by blending a mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices with milk. The exact ingredients can vary depending on the recipe, but common ingredients include almonds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and cardamom. The mixture is typically soaked overnight and then blended into a smooth paste, which is then mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar before being served. Thandai is typically consumed during festivals such as Holi.
Thandai is believed to have a number of health benefits due to the ingredients used in its preparation. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Rich in nutrients: Thandai is made with a variety of nuts and seeds, which are rich in nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
- Good for digestion: The ingredients used in thandai, such as fennel seeds and poppy seeds, are believed to have a soothing effect on the stomach and can help with digestion.
- May help lower blood pressure: The magnesium in almonds, cardamom and other ingredients in thandai may help to lower blood pressure.
- May improve heart health: The healthy fats in nuts and seeds found in thandai may help to improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The ingredients in Thandai like cardamom, almonds, rose petals etc have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
It is worth noting that the benefits of thandai may vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe used.