By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Raise Your Fitness Bar with These Refreshing Ayurvedic Herbal Drinks
Getting fit has never been trendier, but fitness trends aren’t always based on sound science. Take the example of fruit infused water. Experts agree that consuming water, fresh fruits, and fresh fruit juice would be healthier and more nutritious. If you really want your beverages to help further your fitness goals, it would be better to look to Ayurved. Here are some of the best Ayurvedic herbal drinks to support health and fitness.
Ayurvedic Herbal Drinks for Fitness
Triphala Juice
Triphala is perhaps the best known Ayurvedic formulation after Chyawanprash. It includes extracts from haritaki, bibhitaki, and amalaki. Triphala therefore contains a wide range of plant compounds like phenols, tannins, gallic acid, terpenes, and flavonoids. In addition to powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, triphala enhances protection against inflammatory disease, infections, and cancer. Consuming triphala juice has also been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and increase abdominal fat loss, a common aim of fitness programs.
Ginger Juice or Tea
Widely used as a digestive aid in Ayurved, ginger is an ingredient that you will find in every Indian kitchen. While its flavor is delightful in itself, the root is also packed with health benefits. Most of its medicinal properties are linked to gingerol – ginger’s main bioactive compound. Ginger juice or tea is easy enough to prepare with fresh ginger or even dried ginger powder. It is especially helpful for fitness enthusiasts as studies show that ginger may reduce exercise-induced muscle pain, allowing for faster recovery and gains.
Fenugreek Water
Better known to most of us as methi, we mainly consume the leaves as a healthy veggie. However, the seeds are even more valuable for their medicinal properties. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, regular intake of fenugreek infused water can bolster immunity, regulate digestion, improve blood sugar profile, and aid weight loss. You can simply soak fenugreek seeds in hot water overnight and drink the solution the following morning.
Coriander Water
Coriander or dhania, as we refer to it in India, is the most widely used seasoning herb. Once again, you’ll want to use the seeds when preparing coriander water. They are rich in plant-derived compounds and antioxidants, offering varied health benefits. Like other Ayurvedic drinks mentioned here, coriander water helps regulate blood sugar levels and digestion. It also improves lipid levels and boosts immunity, protecting against heart disease and infections.
Tulsi Tea
Tulsi is one of the most revered herbs in India and for good reason. Researchers have found that it possesses a number of health-promoting properties. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiarthritic, immunomodulatory, and adaptogenic effects, among others. This means that tulsi can improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, while reducing inflammation and joint degeneration. It also protects against physical and mental stress. By consuming tulsi in the form of herbal tea, you can stay healthy and raise endurance for fitness activities.
So, the next time you want to drink to support your fitness goals don’t look for the latest fads. Instead, dig deeper into Ayurved’s rich traditions and you’ll find everything you need.
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.