Shikanji, also called Shikanjabeen or Nimbu Shikanji, is a lemon and spice-based drink typical of India and northern Pakistan. Within the West, it’s often called “the Ayurvedic mojito”, comparing it to the standard cocktail.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t contain alcohol and its ingredients offer some health advantages. As well as, it’s considered a superb thirst quencher, because it hydrates and refreshes at the identical time. How is it prepared?

What’s Shikanji?

Some people know Shikanji as ‘spiced Indian lemonade’,  ‘Ayurvedic lemonade’, or ‘Ayurvedic mojito’. It’s because it’s a lemon-based drink, through which spices reminiscent of cumin powder, black pepper, mint, ginger, and chaat masala (an Indian spice) are also added.

In reality, in its countries of origin, India and Pakistan, a homemade powder called Shikanji Masala is then added to this drink. So as to do that, various ground spices, reminiscent of whole coriander seeds, cumin seeds and whole black peppercorns, are roasted and ground.

It’s then combined with chaat masala, black salt, and customary salt. Along with this, mineral water or a carbonated soft drink and ice cubes are used. The result? A refreshing drink, filled with flavor, which also provides some nutrients.

Potential advantages of Shikanji

As a conventional drink, Shikanji is linked to quite a lot of health advantages. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to notice that up to now there’s no scientific research to support its properties. The results attributed to it come largely from popular literature and anecdotal data.

On this vein, it’s said to be useful for the next:

• Weight reduction
• Stimulation of digestion
• Cardiovascular health
• Prevention of infections
• Skin and capillary health

Nevertheless, a few of its effects are based on the dietary value contained in its primary ingredients. Lemon, for instance, stands out for its abundant content of vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, B complex vitamins, magnesium, and calcium.

A study shared via BMC Chemistry states that it also incorporates flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids, and essential oils which might be helpful to the body. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and immunomodulatory effects are attributed to it.

Ayurvedic spices have micronutrients and antioxidants which might be valued in traditional medicine. A review reported in Current Cardiology Reviews states that their caloric content is low they usually’re an interesting source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds.

To be more precise, they have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antihypercholesterolemic potential. In response to this publication, they’re useful in promoting heart health.

There aren’t any studies that concretely evaluate the consequences of this drink. As well as, it ought to be considered that it incorporates sugar, which could also be counterproductive in some people, reminiscent of those with metabolic syndrome.

Does Shikanji support weight reduction?

It’s claimed that the ingredients utilized in this Indian beverage are useful in supporting weight reduction. Nevertheless, this isn’t entirely true. While lemon and spices are considered healthy, the recipe includes added sugar.

In response to information from Nutrients magazine, the consumption of sugars predisposes to increased adiposity, increased body weight and, ultimately, chubby and obesity.

That doesn’t mean that drinking Shikanji results in weight gain as such. So long as its consumption is moderate, it has a spot within the weight-reduction plan. Still, in case you’re following a weight reduction plan, it’s best avoided.

Is Shikanji a superb alternative for hydration?

Shikanji may not support weight reduction as some claim. Nevertheless, it is considered a superb alternative for hydration. Because it combines salt, spices (which give micronutrients), water and sugar, it helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through sweat and urine.

Tips on how to prepare Shikanji at home?

There are a lot of versions of the recipe for preparing Shikanji. As mentioned above, some are made with homemade Shikanji Masala powder, which could be prepared or purchased ready-made in the marketplace. Other methods use the spices of their natural form. We’re suggesting the latter. Let’s get to work!

Ingredients

• 2 lemons
• 500 milliliters of water
• 1/2 tablespoon of cumin powder (2 grams)
• 1 pinch of black pepper powder
• 1/2 tablespoon salt (2 grams)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (15 grams, optional)
• 1 pinch of grated ginger
• 50 grams of powdered ginger
• 4 mint or mint leaves
• Ice

Instructions

• To start with, squeeze the juice of two lemons right into a pitcher. Then add the water.
• Next, add the salt, cumin, pepper, sugar, finely chopped mint, and grated ginger.
• Stir the ingredients well until they’re well integrated.
• Add ice to taste and serve.
• Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.

Note: You possibly can omit using sugar to make the drink healthier or in case you can’t devour sugar.

Shikanji is refreshing and hydrating

Shikanji is a drink of Ayurvedic origin that combines the flavour of lemon with several healthy spices. Ingested in moderate amounts, it may possibly be a superb choice to hydrate and quench thirst on hot days.

The unique recipe incorporates added sugar, so it isn’t suitable for individuals with diabetes, extra weight, obesity, or any condition related to metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, it can be prepared without added sugar.

Why not give it a go?

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