This is Chhavi Mittal’s go-to drink when she feels ‘really hot, dehydrated, and irritated’

"Garmi badh rahi hai aur garmi me badhta hai dehydration. Dehydration ke saath badh raha hai irritation level. At least, mera!" she said

Chhavi shares a simple recipe for this refreshing drink (Source: Chhavi Mittal/Instagram)

The summer season calls for refreshing drinks to beat the heat and stay hydrated. Whether it’s a tall glass of lemonade, a fruity smoothie, or a chilled iced tea, these cool beverages provide a much-needed respite during hot days. From tangy flavours to sweet and tropical concoctions, summer drinks offer a delightful way to quench your thirst and enjoy the sunny season to the fullest. And, one of the most famous drinks that people enjoy during the hot summer days is the humble nimbu pani.

It’s not just us but also Chhavi Mittal who absolutely swears by nimbu pani to stay hydrated during summer. “Garmi badh rahi hai aur garmi me badhta hai dehydration. Dehydration ke saath badh raha hai irritation level. At least, mera! So today, I am going to tell you what is my go-to drink when I feel really hot and really dehydrated and really irritated,” she said, in a video posted on Instagram. “Nimbu Pani is one of my favourite drinks ever. This drink is perfect to beat the scorching heat and keep you hydrated as well.”

Here’s a simple recipe for nimbu pani, as shared by Chhavi.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chhavi Mittal (@chhavihussein)

Ingredients

*One whole lemon
*Jaggery or any sweetener of your choice
*Fresh mint leaves
*Salt to taste

Method

*In a flask, squeeze in the lemon.
*Add jaggery, mint leaves, and salt to it.
*Now, add some ice and cold water.
*Blend everything together.

Talking about this refreshing drink, Ankita Ghoshal Bisht, dietician in charge, Primus Super Speciality Hospital said that the best way to prepare nimbu pani for health is to squeeze fresh lemons into a glass of water, add a pinch of salt and sugar (or a natural sweetener), and mix well. “You can also add mint leaves or crushed ginger for added flavour and health benefits. It’s important to use fresh lemons and avoid adding excessive sugar to maximise the health benefits of nimbu pani,” she said.

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Agreeing, Dr Shruti Bhardwaj Senior Dietician at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Ahmedabad said that you can adjust the sugar, salt and water content according to your taste. “But, it is recommended to use in a moderate amount.”

What are the benefits?

Here are some health benefits of consuming nimbu pani in summer, according to the experts:

*Nimbu pani is a refreshing and hydrating drink that helps replenish fluids in the body.
*It is particularly beneficial in hot weather or after physical activity.
*Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for the body. Vitamin C supports the immune system, helps in collagen production, and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
*Nimbu pani contains electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. This is especially important during the summer when excessive sweating can lead to electrolyte loss.
*Lemonade can be a healthier alternative to sugary carbonated drinks, as it is low in calories. By replacing high-calorie beverages with nimbu pani, it can contribute to weight management.

Chhavi relies on the humble nimbu pani for refreshment (Source: Chhavi Mittal/Instagram)

While nimbu pani is generally considered safe for most people, those with specific health conditions should exercise caution or avoid it. “Individuals with gastric ulcers, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or acid reflux may experience discomfort due to the citric acid in lemons. People with kidney problems or those on a low-potassium diet should also limit their intake, as lemons contain potassium,” Bisht said.

Additionally, Dr Bhardwaj said that some individuals may be allergic to citrus fruits like lemons. “If you experience any allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, after consuming nimbu pani, discontinue its use and seek medical advice. Also, Lemons contain a moderate amount of potassium. If you have kidney problems or are on a potassium-restricted diet, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before consuming nimbu pani, as excessive potassium intake may not be suitable for your condition,” she said.

The expert added that nimbu pani with sugar is also not recommended for diabetic patients as it might shoot up sugar levels in their bodies. “It’s always advisable to drink homemade nimbu pani and not from streets or ready mix syrups,” she said.