Arey par dudh toh peete jaa!
Maa
Do you know that such a thing as "World Milk Day" exists? Since 2001, World Milk Day has been celebrated every year on June 1st. No, it's not a term the moms-troop have coined to make us have our glass of milk. Rather, it’s a day that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN internationally recognizes to emphasize the importance of milk as a global food. This delish marvel of mother nature is filled to the brim with proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, calories, casein, Vit. B12, riboflavin, phosphorous, milk hormones, and *phew*, the most famous, calcium! In essence, it contains everything we need in a wholesome meal.
This claim is not only scientifically proven but also has Ayurvedic roots. Vedic Science highly encourages the consumption of milk as it pacifies Vata-Pitta Dosha and increases Kapha Dosha. Most importantly, milk is attributed to being one of the most essential foods for fostering Ojas. The Charak Samhita describes Ojas as an essence of vitality produced by the body following proper digestion. Ojas is the energy that governs our strength, immunity, and contentment, which makes it a principle element for sustaining abundance in life.
Pro Tip: Always consume malts (hand-brewed Ayurvedic jams) with a glass of warm milk to ensure their optimal absorption :D
By the way, the 6 a.m. fuss was real. :0 Now, do we all regret giving our moms a hard time? Yes. Should we make up for it? YES! This World Milk Day, let's #NurtureOurMoms with the wholesomeness of #GulkandWalaDudh <3
#GulkandWalaDudh: The Recipe
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp gulkand
- 2-3 ice cubes
Next Step, mix all these ingredients and blend together to make a delightful, tender, rose-infused beverage that is sure to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul! Lastly, Serve it with a huge smile :)
"But what if I am lactose intolerant or a vegan?"
Also Read: Vegan Ayurveda: a step towards self-love and healing
No reason is a good reason to skip milk as a part of our diets! Let's explore our options and learn about the three best types of plant-based milk and how to DIY. The first on our list is *drumrolls* Almond Milk!
Almond Milk
Almond milk is the most preferred non-dairy alternative. Its subtle taste appeals to the taste buds, and its nutritional profile is amazing as well. Almond milk is known to be an exemplary source of Vit. A, D, and E along with potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. Adding to that, it also possesses a low-calorie reserve, making it a yum switch for a lifestyle change! But unfortunately, this goodie is not for you if you're allergic to nuts. The reason being, we care for you and we have a long list to discuss!
How to make almond milk at home:
- 1 cup raw almonds (soaked in cool water overnight / or 1-2 hours in very hot water)
- 5 cups of purified water*
*(Depends on the viscosity you're trying to achieve; reduce the cups of water for thicker milk and increase for thinner milk)
- A pinch of sea salt
Add the soaked almonds, water, and salt to a high-capacity blender and blend until you obtain a smooth paste. Keep it running for an additional minute or two because we don't want to miss out on the richness of any almond! Once done, strain it using a muslin cloth (thin cotton cloth in case muslin cloth is unavailable), and voila! We have our nutrient-rich almond milk ready. If you have a sweet tooth, add dates or berries for sweetness and additional nutritional value :P Ayurveda always advises us to eat fresh and natural, so we recommend not storing almond milk for up to a month and using it instantly or within a week. Almond milk is notorious for separating when kept still, so always shake well before use :)
Soy Milk
Be it coffee or baking, Soy Milk is always the star. It is widely considered the OG plant-based milk. Along with other nutrients, Soy milk has high reserves of Omega-3 fatty acids, rich proteins, Vit. D and B2. Out of these the latter two are known for maintaining optimal energy stores and overall health. Another amazing component of soy milk is isoflavones, a phytochemical with the ability to reduce instances of several types of cancers. Now the important part,
How to make soy milk at home:
Not a lot is needed for this, just soybeans and water!
Start by soaking the soybeans overnight. Then, peel off the skin and blend it with 3 cups of water in a high-capacity blender. Blend until you receive a smooth, textured fluid. Strain this as explained above. Now, add this mixture to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. The reason behind cooking is that soy is a legume that cannot be consumed raw. Cook it on a medium flame while stirring occasionally and skimming the foam whenever it arises. Continue the process for about 15–20 minutes, and you're good to go!
Oat Milk
If you are suffering from gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome, oat milk is the perfect choice for you! Although it doesn't contain as many traditional nutrients as that of dairy milk, oat milk is still rich in riboflavin, calcium, phosphorous, fiber, and vitamin B12. Its creamy texture and naturally sweet taste make it perfect for enjoying a bowl of cereal for breakfast.
Quick fact: Oat milk is a strong preference for people allergic to soy or nuts and also for ones looking for low saturated fat content in their milk.
How to make Oat milk at home:
We first start by adding whole rolled oats and filtered water to a blender (it better be as powerful as hulk). Blend it for 30s till you obtain a white creamy consistency. While straining, the trick is to not overdo it. Strain as much as you can and leave the rest. And remember, DO.NOT.SHAKE it before using it. Your flavorsome oat milk is now ready for you to make any Starbucks drinks with!
With this, we sign off for the day! :D
This World Milk Day, let's appreciate nature for its beauty and marvel and together #NurtureOurselves with the richness of milk!
