According to Ayurveda, one of the key components of vital health is proper digestion. "You are what you digest" is a common phrase heard from Ayurvedic practitioners. If the digestive fire (agni) is not functioning properly, even the healthiest diet will not be assimilated. Next to a person’s current doshic state, strength of agni (digestive fire) is said to be the most important factor in determining health. Agni can be strengthened by adding pungent spices to food (cumin, cayenne), drinking spicy teas (ginger tea) or with the consumption of digestion-boosting beverages such as Lassi, a traditional drink from India, that is commonly taken after meals. Due to its probiotic properties, Lassi is said to improve intestinal flora, cleanse the gut, promote digestion and is recommended if you frequently feel bloated, suffer from constipation, or feel unpleasantly full after meals. People with poor appetite or weak digestive fire can also greatly benefit from Lassi.
For best results, lassi should be drunk regularly in the day, but not in the evenings.
For best results, lassi should be drunk regularly in the day, but not in the evenings.
YIELDS
1 serving
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt of choice
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp foodgrade rosewater
Directions
1. Boil the water and let it stand until lukewarm (boiling water remove subtle impurities that are not removed by filtration and also increases Prana, or lifeforce into the water).
2. Transfer the warm water and all the other ingredients in blender and blend for 1–2 minutes.
3. Optionally you can remove the frothy top layer with a spoon. The froth contains fat, removed it to make the it lighter & easier to digest.
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Photo: Imola Toth
