Powering the wellness movement are ‘health elixirs’ and ‘juice shots’ that claim to do everything from boosting your collagen to your immunity. The health beverage market thrives because most fad drinks come with overblown claims. But medical practitioners say we should be wary of lifestyles driven by diet culture, because it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Here, we look at three drinks we’re drawn to, fuelled by social media.
A word of caution from Ramesh R Varier, senior physician at AVN Arogya Ayurvedic Hospital, Madurai: Problems usually arise from generalisations of what’s good, because most health drinks claim to reduce fat, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar and so on. He says if you’re healthy, try a combination of home-made beverages, not more than once a day, to see what works for you. If you have a condition, always check with your doctor.
Smashing pumpkins
Everybody is chasing weight loss these days, but there are very few things which are uniformly good for everybody. White pumpkin is one of them, says Varier. It is one of the few veggies that does not upset the natural nutritional balance in the body, he says. People are juicing it, and drinking the clear juice, after sieving it through a sheer cloth.
Rich in fibre and vitamins and loaded with over a dozen other vital nutrients, it is cooling in nature, given its high water content. But it’s not good to consume in lieu of a meal to reduce calorie intake. Dr Varier warns that it is not a panacea for everything. It can, in fact, increase phlegm in those suffering from cold and chest congestion. But its multiple benefits such as anti-oxidant, -depressant, -inflammatory properties make it an important ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines.
Preparation: Peel and chop the white pumpkin and blend it to a smooth juice consistency, without using water. Drain it with a muslin cloth to extract the juice and consume it sip by sip. You can use the pith in a dal or soup.
Celery juice in a mason jar glass. Downward view over a rustic white wood background.
Celery juiced
Dubbed as a miracle remedy for chronic illnesses, celery juice was started by self-proclaimed medical medium, Anthony William. But Varier points out that celery is not an Indian herb and Ayurveda does not advocate daily consumption of these greens. He says when we eat foods not native to our environment, we should be sure our bodies can handle it. “There has to be a contextual relevance to what people eat,” he says, and it’s okay to drink it weekly. Celery juice may cause constipation and flatulence, but it is an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Low in calories and sugar is what makes it a popular choice.
Preparation: Rinse one large bunch of celery and run it through a juicer. Drink immediately. Alternatively, you can chop the celery and blend it in a high-speed blender until smooth. Strain well and drink immediately.
Hashtag CCF water
Cumin-Coriander-Fennel water is big on social media right now, and turns out that it’s a digestive drink good for reducing flatulence. One of the simplest and easiest home formulas for detoxification and weight loss, it is known to reduce inflammation, stoke metabolism and calm a tense mind.
Preparation: To half a teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, add four cups of water and boil. Strain, cool and drink.
