New Delhi, Mar 13: During Holi one of the most popular drinks is Thandai. The name Thandai itself means "cooling drink," which is perfect for beating the heat.

Thandai is made with a mix of ingredients like milk, nuts, seeds, and spices. It's not just delicious, but it also helps lower your body temperature and cools you down when it's hot outside. The spices and nuts in Thandai, like almonds, saffron, and cardamom, have health benefits too. They can help improve digestion, provide energy, and keep you feeling refreshed.

In simpler terms,

Thandai is a traditional Indian drink made from ingredients like almonds, fennel, poppy seeds, melon seeds, cardamom, saffron, and rose petals. These ingredients are soaked, blended, and mixed with milk (or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk). It's nutritious, hydrating, and helps replenish lost electrolytes during hot weather. The nuts and seeds are good for skin health, while fennel and poppy seeds help with digestion and reduce bloating.

She warns that many store-bought Thandai mixes have too much added sugar, which can reduce its health benefits. Making Thandai at home lets you control the sugar and keep a healthy balance of nuts, seeds, and spices.

Understanding the Health Risks of Bhang-Infused Thandai

During festivals like Holi, Thandai may have bhang, which comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Bhang contains two main ingredients: THC (which can make you feel high) and CBD (which helps you relax). THC has effects that vary from person to person, with some feeling happy or euphoric, while others may feel bad. The effects of bhang can last from 4 to 12 hours, peaking at 2-3 hours. It's important to understand these effects before using it.

Understanding the Risks: Side Effects of Thandai Consumption

Increased Heart Rate: Bhang can make your heart beat faster, which might feel uncomfortable, especially for people with heart problems.

Drop in Blood Pressure: It can lower your blood pressure, causing dizziness and red eyes.

• Dry Mouth: It can make your mouth feel dry, which might lead to bad breath.
• Memory and Focus Issues: It can make it hard to remember things or concentrate, and the effects could last a while.
• Mood Swings: It can cause sudden changes in mood, like laughing a lot, feeling very sad, or being extra talkative.

Basically, these are some side effects you might experience from using Thandai.

To make Thandai healthier, it's best to make it at home. This way, you can control the ingredients and avoid unhealthy additives. Here's how you can make it better for you:

1. Use natural sweeteners: Instead of using refined sugar, you can sweeten your Thandai with things like honey or dates. These are more natural and healthier options.

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3. Add spices: Include spices like turmeric and cinnamon in your Thandai. These spices are not only tasty but also have health benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

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By making these changes, you'll have a more nutritious and refreshing drink!

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