Khus Sharbat: The Perfect Drink To Beat The Summer Blues
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Quenching your thirst and beating the scorching heat of summer becomes a delightful experience with a refreshing glass of Khus Sharbat. This traditional Indian summer drink, also known as vetiver sherbet, has been a popular choice for generations. Made from the essence of vetiver roots, khus sharbat offers a unique blend of cooling properties and a delightful flavour profile. Let us explore the reasons why Khus Sharbat is a must-have during the summer, highlighting its cooling effects, health benefits, and role in revitalising the body and mind. 

Benefits Of Khus Sharbat

Khus Sharbat offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice during the summer season. Here are some key benefits of consuming Khus Sharbat:

Reduces Eye Redness

Khus sharbat has been traditionally used to reduce eye redness and provide relief from tired or strained eyes. The unique properties of this refreshing beverage may contribute to its ability to alleviate eye redness. One of the primary reasons why khus sharbat can help reduce eye redness is because of its cooling and soothing properties.

The drink is made from the essence of vetiver roots, which have natural cooling effects. When consumed, the coolness of the drink can help soothe and refresh the eyes, providing relief from redness and inflammation. The cooling effect can help constrict blood vessels in the eyes, reducing their dilation, which is often responsible for the appearance of redness.

Aids In Hydration

Khus Sharbat is a hydrating beverage that helps maintain optimal hydration levels. Here's how it contributes to keeping you hydrated:

One of the primary benefits of Khus Sharbat is its ability to replenish fluids in the body. The drink is primarily made by infusing water with the essence of vetiver roots and other cooling ingredients.

When consumed, khus sharbat introduces a significant amount of fluid into your body, helping to replenish lost fluids due to sweating and other factors. This is especially beneficial during hot and dry weather conditions, when the risk of dehydration is higher.

Khus sharbat also helps quench thirst effectively. The refreshing and mildly sweet taste makes it an enjoyable and satisfying choice to satisfy your thirst. When you feel thirsty, it's a signal from your body that it needs hydration. Choosing khus sharbat as a beverage not only provides the necessary fluids but also satisfies your thirst, keeping you adequately hydrated.

May Help Regulate Blood Circulation

While scientific research on the specific effects of khus sharbat on blood circulation is limited, some of its components and characteristics suggest potential benefits for improving blood circulation. One way in which khus sharbat may help improve blood circulation is through its cooling effect. When consumed, the cooling properties of khus sharbat can help lower body temperatures and dilate blood vessels.

This process, known as vasodilation, allows for increased blood flow and circulation throughout the body. By promoting vasodilation, it may contribute to improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients to various tissues, including the muscles and organs. Better blood circulation supports overall health and can potentially alleviate issues related to poor circulation, such as cold extremities or muscle cramps.

It's important to note that while Khus Sharbat may have potential benefits for blood circulation, individual responses can vary, and it should not replace medical advice or treatments for specific circulatory conditions. If you have concerns about blood circulation or related health issues, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Rich In Antioxidants

Khus sharbat is indeed rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. The presence of antioxidants in khus sharbat contributes to its potential health benefits.

Here's why Khus Sharbat can be considered a good source of antioxidants:

The key ingredient, vetiver roots, contains essential oils and bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. 

Lemon juice is commonly added to Khus Sharbat recipes, and it is known to be a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and protect cells from damage. By including lemon juice in khus sharbat, you increase the antioxidant profile of the beverage, providing additional health benefits.

Furthermore, khus sharbat may incorporate other herbs and spices known for their antioxidant properties. For instance, ingredients like rose water, cardamom, or saffron are sometimes used to add flavour and aroma to Khus Sharbat. These ingredients often contain natural compounds with antioxidant properties. By infusing these herbs and spices into the beverage, khus sharbat gains an even higher concentration of antioxidants, further contributing to its potential health benefits.

How To Make Khus Sharbat At Home?

Here's a simple recipe to make Khus Sharbat at home:

Ingredients:

 1 cup vetiver roots (washed and soaked overnight)

 1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)

 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

 1 teaspoon rose water

 1-litre water

 Ice cubes for serving

 Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method:

 Take the soaked vetiver roots and blend them with a little water in a blender until a coarse paste is formed. Strain this paste through a fine mesh sieve to extract the juice. Set aside.

 In a saucepan, add water and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves completely. Simmer for a few minutes until it forms a syrup-like consistency. Remove it from the heat and let it cool.

 Once the sugar syrup has cooled, add the strained vetiver juice, lemon juice, and rose water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

 Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate for a few hours to chill.

 To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled Khus Sharbat over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

 Stir the sharbat before serving to ensure the flavours are well blended. Enjoy the refreshing Khus Sharbat!

Note: Remember to store the leftover Khus Sharbat in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days for the best taste and freshness.