Summer months call for a cool and refreshing pick-me-up, and what better than the seasonal watermelon to quench your thirst?
Holistic health coach Isha Lall shared that watermelons contain over 90 per cent water, and are a good source of Vitamin C, A, B6 and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, folate and calcium.
According to her, watermelons help relieve excessive thirst and fatigue, get rid of the burning sensation in the body, relieve painful urination and fight bladder infections. It also relieves oedema and inflammation. When mixed with gond katira in a drink, the resulting concoction becomes a nutritional powerhouse that aids digestion and relieves constipation, promoting a smoother gut experience and weight loss management. In fact, you can replace watermelon with any summer fruit to improve its health benefits.
Dr K Somnath Gupta, Sr. Consultant Physician & Diabetologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, told indianexpress.com that gond katira possesses potential anti-inflammatory properties that might help reduce internal inflammation. He added that the moisturising properties of gond katira may contribute to improved skin hydration and elasticity, potentially enhancing your overall complexion. The combination of watermelon and gond katira provides a natural energy lift, making it a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.
Dr K Somnath Gupta, Sr. Consultant Physician & Diabetologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, told indianexpress.com that gond katira possesses potential anti-inflammatory properties that might help reduce internal inflammation (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Points to note
However, Dr Gupta warned to be careful of how much gond katira you are adding to the concoction. “Excessive consumption of gond katira, due to its high fibre content, could lead to bloating or diarrhea. Some people may have allergies to plant-based gums like gond katira. It’s crucial to be aware of any potential allergies before consuming it regularly,” he said. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers before incorporating gond katira into their diet, he added.
When should you have this drink?
Lall recommended having this concoction in the morning between 10 am to 12 pm — as breakfast or between breakfast and lunch. “You can also have it as an evening snack, before 5 pm. But do not consume it at night or with your meals,” she warned.
Enjoy this cool drink in moderation, focusing on a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle practices for optimal well-being throughout the summer months.
