health benefits of Yoghurt and Orange Flavoured Lassi

Winter is almost out and Spring is knocking at our doors..even though in my part of World, as we are sitting on the Equator, this season changes doesn't work at all...we have couple of seasons at constant, hot and humid Summer and shower of rain. So, I always make a glass of lassi(a yoghurt drink) for us after our weekend lunch...just to chill with this great tasting refreshment and at the same time I can gain the benefits of Yoghurt which it is made of. Consuming yoghurt after a meal helps burning body fat and it helps body digesting food more efficiently.

Health benefits of Yoghurt :

• Yoghurt is dairy product which is rich in Potassium, calcium, protein and B vitamins(B12). It is a great source of Calcium for lactose intolerant people, as there is very little lactose present in it and instead it contains the digestive enzyme, lactas. 

• The most outstanding benefit of yogurt comes right from the unique way yogurt is made. Yoghurt is simply milk or cream that is cultured with active live cultures. These cultures are the key to many of yoghurt’s health benefits. Active live cultures are basically good bacteria that are necessary for the body to function at its best. These good bacteria prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and diseases. Healthy levels of good bacteria also promote digestive health and boost the immune system. Good bacteria prevent imbalances in the body’s yeast levels, which can prevent various types of yeast infections. It has been shown that good bacteria can also prevent urinary tract infections. If you are taking antibiotics, they may be destroying the good bacteria present in your body. Eating yoghurt regularly can help restore your good bacteria levels. Active live cultures actually reduce yoghurt’s level of lactose, making yoghurt a delicious dairy alternative for anyone who is lactose intolerant.

• Yoghurt Strengthens and stabilizes the immune system.
• Yogurt Lowers LDL, Raises HDL Cholesterol
• Calcium rich yoghurt signifivantly increases body fat loss, boost the body's ability to build bone, helps prevent and heal Arthritis 
• For Fresh Breath and a Healthy Mouth, Eat Yogurt

So, there are more than enough reasons why you should add yoghurt to your diet, especially, Women after 30, should consume at least 4 servings of calcium rich food.

Now, this week I made my lassi adding some fresh oranges.
Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian yoghurt based drink. It is made by blending yoghurt with water or milk and Indian spices. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin. Sweet lassi, blended with sugar or fruits instead of spices, is also very popular.

Ingredients : (yields 3-4 servings)

Yoghurt : 2 cups
Orange : 1 (deseeded and chopped)
Water : 3/4 cup
Pistachio nuts: 6-7
Sugar : 3-4 tblsp.
Salt : a pinch
Saffron strands : few

Method : 

• In a blender, take all the ingredients and blend until frothy. 
• To serve, pour over crushed ice and sprinkle some saffron strands over it to decorate. 

Enjoy.............

Happy Mother's Day with Watermelonade

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother"---- Abraham Lincoln

Here is a TOAST to all the mothers out there to wish you A VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S Day. Especially, wish a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my MOM...You are the most precious person in my life, because of you I am today whoever I am. I know she won't be much happy today as both of her daughters are far away from her, all we can do, only wish her. Missing u a lot today ma, when my daughter is pampering me, trying to make me happy in what way she can. I couldn't do much except wishing you by phone.
Sorry, I couldn't post yesterday to wish you all, as I was busy celebrating two occasions together, my wedding anniversary and mother's day. I get two treat in one day. My daughter made me this WATERMELONADE(she named it so), with two of her favorite things, watermelon and lime. And I relaxed a sunny afternoon with her watermelonade, Thanks sweetheart.

Here is how she made it :
2 cups cubed watermelon
Juice of 2 lime
Sugar to taste
Ice cubes
Few lime slices

• In a blender, blend together watermelon cubes and lime juices.
• Dilute with water. Pour in serving glasses, add sugar according to taste.
  
• Serve ice cubes and lime slices on each glass.

Beat the summer heat with this cool drink and enjoy.............................

Watermelon-Strawberry Lassi

Lassi is a popular and traditional Indian drink, originated in the state of Punjab. It is made of Yoghurt with water, salt, sugar, pepper and spices. Different flavours of lassis are also made using different fruits. Lassis can be salty or sweet. Lassis are enjoyed chilled with ice cubes during hot summers.
I love to have my lassis hot summer afternoons after having a light lunch. Fruit lassis are good as you can have your calcium intake with some fresh fruits. One such sunny afternoon, here in Singapore I prepared this Lassi. Try out some time...........



Ingredients : (For 3-4 servings)
Non-fat yoghurt : 1 cup
Water : 3/4 cup
Strawberry : 3/4 cup
Watermelon(seedless): 1 cup
Sugar : 2-3 tbsp. or as per taste
Salt : a pinch
Ice cubes for serving

Method :

• Cut strawberries and watermelon in pieces.
• Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until frothy.

Serve with ice cubes on top.............enjoy........relaaaaaaaaaax
Sending my favorite summer drink to Chandrabhaga
@ her event Refreshing drink for summer

Sweet & Sour Lassi (Indian Yoghurt Drink)

When my fellow bloggers from America & Europe are looking for entries for the winter season, us, in Eastern Asia, The Sungod is blessing everyday with open hands. One such sunny afternoon, to cope the warmth, I prepared our favorite Sweet & Sour Lassi. What could be more refreshing than a cool lassi........................


Ingredients :
Non-fat natural yoghurt : 11/2 cup
Water : 1/2 cup
Lemon Juice : 3 tbsp.
Lemon Zest : 1/2 tsp.
Sugar : 4 tblsp. (to taste)
Roaster cumin powder : 2 tsp.
Red chilli powder : 1/2 tsp.
Salt : 1 tsp.
Few saffron stands

Method :

• In a blender, put yoghurt, water, lemon zest & juice and salt and blend until it forms some foam for about 3 minutes. Add sugar according to your taste and blend again. Lassi in ready to serve.
  
• Pour in a glass, drop few ice cubes, sprinkle a pinch of roasted cumin powder, chilli powder and 3-4 saffron stands.
  

Relax in an outdoor setting and enjoy the refreshing cool drink.

Sending this to Food in Color Event : White hosted this month by Lubna of Yummy food, original brainchild of Sunshinemom of Tongue Ticklers