Alaya F is big on health and wellness, always trying out DIY recipes rooted in tradition. The actor often takes to Instagram to share her experiments – whether it’s a cucumber, mint and lemon concoction for detoxification, or a blueberry protein oatmeal bowl for a power-packed start to the day. In her latest upload, the Jawaani Jaaneman star shared her go-to nighttime drink before hitting the bed, and we are taking notes.
“What if I told you that this one little nighttime drink could help you detox, de-bloat and digest?🤔😄✨ I’ve spoken about this insanely effective nighttime drink in sooooo many interviews that I thought I might as well share it here with you guys!🤍 Try it tonight and thank me later 😋,” she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post, further sharing the contents of the concoction:
Ingredients :
• Ajwain (carom seeds) ½ tsp
• Jeera (cumin seeds) ½ tsp
• Saunf (fennel seeds) ½ tsp
• Adrak (crushed ginger) ½ tsp
• Pudina (mint leaves) some
• Sabja seeds (basil seeds) 1 tsp, pre-soaked
Talking about the benefits of this debloat drink, Garima Goyal, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com that this concoction helps in relieving bloating, nausea, and constipation, while Sohini Banerjee, consultant dietician, ILS Hospitals, Howrah (Kolkata), added that the concoction makes for a “rich source of many vitamins and minerals.” Both experts decoded the health benefits of the ingredients making up Alaya’s night-time drink:
Sabja or Basil: A natural detox and body coolant, soaked sabja seeds come to your rescue if you are experiencing acidity, bloating or headache.
Cumin or Jeera: Cumin tends to increase gut enzyme activity and enhance digestion. “Apart from being a relaxant for the GI, cumin seeds also contain certain antioxidant compounds that are also found to be anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic in nature,” said Goyal.
Ginger, known for its distinct spicy flavour, is rich in gingerol (Source: Freepik)
Fennel or Saunf: Fennel seeds (saunf) also help reduce GI distress due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “If you are not a fan of jeera water, the best way to beat the bloat is to correct the way you eat,” Goyal said, further suggesting that “chewing food properly, not eating fast, and knowing when to stop are some of the key points to keep in mind.”
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Mint or Pudina: The main ingredient in mint, menthol, canrelax the muscles of thegastrointestinal tract, reducingdiscomfort and spasms.
Ginger(Adrak): Ginger, known for its distinct spicy flavour, is rich in gingerol, a bioactive compoundwith anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. “Ginger’s ability to stimulate saliva and digestive enzymes, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of lime juice, can soothe the gastrointestinal tract,” Banerjee mentioned.
Carom or Ajwain:Active enzymes in carom seeds improve the flow of stomach acids, which can help to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas. “The plant can also help to treat peptic ulcers as well as sores in the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines,” said Banerjee.
However, Banerjee reiterated that it is important not to consider it a substitute for munching or eating-related issues. According to her, the process of detoxification is mostly carried out by the liver and kidneys, and therefore, “depending exclusively on drinks for detoxification might not be adequate”. Thus, eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated are essential components of detoxification.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
