Breakfast Drinks Archives - Indian Vegan Cookbook

Kasai (Kashai, Kadha) Warm Beverage

Coriander seeds are fragrant and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re used very often in curries and other traditional Indian dishes in the powdered form. They are believed to have many health benefits including helping to lower blood sugar levels because of its diuretic property and reduce blood sugar levels by increasing enzyme activity in the body. In fact, coriander seeds should be used with caution as it has been observed they reduce blood pressure in a very short time and to a great extent. The vitamin K present in them is said to help prevent osteoporosis and support heart health. The antioxidants in coriander seeds may help reduce the risk of some cancers as well as slow the aging process. The antimicrobial compounds in them may help fight infections, and the anti-inflammatory properties they have may promote brain, skin, and digestive health.

Cumin seeds, like coriander seeds, are rich in vitamins, minerals (especially iron), antioxidants and antimicrobial/antibacterial compounds. Cumin seeds have been used to treat digestive problems traditionally and they have almost the same health benefits as coriander seeds.

Fennel seeds also have more or less the same properties. They are specially used as a mouth freshener after meals traditionally because they help reduce bad breath. This is because of the specific aromatic essential oil in them that has antibacterial properties.

Black Tea with Lemon Juice

The British introduced tea to India as late as the nineteenth century for use as a commercial commodity, but now India is the 2nd largest producer of tea in the world. Somehow, milk and sugar got added to it to make it a sweet drink to induce a kick in the mornings. All three ingredients: tea, sugar and milk are considered to be unhealthy as all are acidic in nature and should be avoided. Before Indian tea became popular, most households made healthier drinks called kadha or kasai and each home had their own recipe and combinations of spices. Some of these are still served in stalls outside temples in southern India.

Spiced Black Tea

This is a wonderful replacement for your morning cup of tea that is usually made with dairy milk. It’s not only delicious but also refreshing and soothing on the digestive system.

Kadhas or Herbal Infusions

Ginger contains over 400 natural compounds one of which is gingerol, which has medicinal properties. It has been part of Indian cuisine and medicine for centuries. Even the leaves are used in some delicacies like patoli. Ginger improves the movement of the digestive tract thus helping food pass faster through the stomach and into the intestines. Travellers who suffer from motion sickness must be familiar with the positive impact ginger has on the sensation of nausea, too. Ginger has been known to reduce bloating, gas and constipation and ease other digestive disorders and reduce inflammation. For generations, Indian households have used ginger to make warm teas to relieve symptoms of cold and cough and also to fight infections or the growth of bacteria.

Traditionally, people chewed on pudina leaves to treat digestive disorders like indigestion, stomach pain, gas, bloating and irregular bowel habits as well as to improve the sense of breathing during colds. It may have antibacterial properties and so has also been used to treat cracks and wounds in the skin. Apart from this, mint helps mask bad breath and kill bacteria in the mouth. Since it is a great source of antioxidants, it also helps to remove toxins from the body and reduce damage caused by free radicals so is a great addition to salads, smoothies and of course for use in traditional chutneys. Most importantly, mint leaves impart a cooling sensation and are therefore a great addition to herbal teas.

Pepper corn is famous as the “king of spices and has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. Black pepper corn are high in antioxidants and may help reduce the harmful effect of free radicals as well as inflammation inside the body which is a major symptom of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, allergies, and even cancer. Moreover, pepper corn may help in absorbing nutrients, improve gut health by increasing the good bacteria, and relieve pain.

Lemongrass is a fragrant ingredient used to enhance the smell of soaps, candles, insect repellents, dishwashing detergents, and insect repellents. It’s a great addition to teas and is useful for its reported antibacterial and antifungal properties. It may have an anti-inflammatory effect and has been traditionally used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Lime Mint Drink

Lemon is rich in vitamin C and acts as an antioxidant, whereas mint is said to help improve digestion, brain function and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. It is also said to prevent bloating and gas and alleviate cold symptoms.

Raisins contain tartaric acid, which is a protein that may have anti-inflammatory properties, improve intestinal function, and help improve good gut bacteria levels. Since raisins have a low glycaemic index, they are much better than sugar or jaggery both of which are processed sweeteners.