We have three main seasons in our country that are summer, winter, and rainy season. Summer starts in March and ends in June. It is the hottest time in our country when summer scorches with its hottest and driest heat. The coastal areas are benefitted from the presence of sea winds, but the plain land areas are the ones that are worst affected by dry heat called “loo”. During the summer season, heatwaves and strong sunshine are the two things, which each and every one of us want to avoid. People find their best ways to stay relaxed on long summer vacations. Many of us often prefer traveling to some hilly areas for its cool and pleasant weather like Shimla, Manali, Leh, Laddakh, etc yet many of us are left at home, helpless due to work promises or other personal reasons. So, here are some ways by which you can stay cool, hydrated, and relaxed at home too. Some healthy milk preparations which are very much effective in the summer season are - 

Lassi – It is a thick yogurt drink very popular in North India. It is often taken as refreshment in summers. It is made from yogurt, water, spices, and fruits. This can be either salty or sweet in taste. It tastes best when served chilled with any of the fruit shakes especially mango. It helps in the proper digestion of food and builds immunity too. It is a very good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Buttermilk or Chhaas – It is a fermented dairy product. It is slightly sour milk. Masala chhaas is slightly spicy than plain chhaas. This acts as a coolant in summers.

Badam Milk – It is very popular in this month of scorching heatwaves. It is being served as refrigerated badam milk as well as warm badam milk. Both the ways taste amazing. In the summer season, these are very much in demand. Almonds are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and riboflavin. Hence this is very much nutritious.

Thandai – Thandai is very much popular during Holi. It is native to India. It is prepared by a mixture of milk, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, poppy seeds, cardamom, saffron, and sugar. Poppy seeds help in GI irritation and prevent constipation. Fennel cools the body and is also helpful in curing flatulence.

Turmeric Milk/ Golden milk – It is called golden milk because of its color. We can have this milk in the summers too before going to bed. It is generally taken warm. Turmeric has its own benefit. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in boosting immunity also. Thus, it is very much useful for our body.

Rose Milk with Chia seeds – Chia seeds are highly nutritious. Popularly used in smoothies. Rose syrup is cooled and has a refreshing flavor and aroma. This enhances the taste of falooda. Rose milk is sweetened with sugar and flavored with rose essence. It is highly recommended in summers. 

Dry fruits milkshake – dry fruits are easily available in different forms and flavors like salty, roasted, chocolate, and mint. Dry fruits are best to have in the form of a milkshake. These dried fruits are lightened and mixed to obtain smoothies. Any of the flavored milk can be combined with this smoothie of dried fruits to get a rich sweet milkshake, to revitalize the body. Small pieces of these dried fruits are again used for decoration and presentation purposes.

Paan Gulkand Sharbat – It is the summer milk drink that keeps the body cool. Gulkand is a sugared jam made from dried organic rose petals that help to cool the body.