Gud ki raab is a traditional Indian Ayurvedic drink made with gud (jaggery). It is usually consumed on a chilly rainy day or in winter season. Gudraab is a combination of 2 words gud which means jaggery and raab meaning gruel. It is an age old potion which has been recommended for youngsters because of its medicinal properties.
Gudraab is a nutritional drink which also has soothing and healing effects on the body. It is a warm health drink and is also a perfect summer/winter drink that helps strengthen the immune system and keeps you full. It provides warmth to the body, protects from cold, cough, sore throat and fever due to the exposure to cold winds or low temperature in cold seasons. It is often made in Gujarati and Rajasthani households as a part of their meals in summer and can be made of bajra(winter), wheat(summer) and gond.
Gud Raab Recipe
Ingredients
- Cow ghee (Desi) – 5 gms
- Jaggery – 30-40 gms
- Whole wheat flour – 5 gms
- Water – 250 ml
- Black pepper powder – 1 pinch (Depending on how spicy you want it to be)
- Dried ginger powder – a pinch
- Fennel powder- 1 tsp
- Seeds from 1 Cardamom pod – crushed or cardamom powder.
- 4-5 Almonds for garnishing
Preparation Time:
It usually takes about 10 minutes to prepare gudraab.
Method of Preparation:
1. In a pan heat the ghee. Add wheat flour and fry it on low flame until it becomes slightly red. Then add black pepper and fennel powder and fry a little.
2. Add two and a half cups of hot water, dry ginger powder, cardamom powder, salt and jiggery and stir it with a spoon and cook until it melts. Then cook it on low flame for 2-3 minutes.
3. Garnish with almonds and serve hot.
Gud Ki Raab Benefits
Prevents Constipation
Constipation is a condition where bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. Jaggery in Gudraab helps in prevention of constipation as it activates the digestive enzymes in the body and stimulates bowel movements. Also, fennel seeds help to relax muscles in the intestines which can relieve constipation.
Detoxifies The Liver
Jaggery and fennel are natural body cleansers, further reducing the workload on the liver. Black pepper causes sweating and urination, resulting in removing of toxins. They help clean liver by flushing harmful toxins from the system.
Treats Flu
Gudraab is mostly consumed to fight cold and flu. Jaggery produces heat in the body, which is generally why people consume it during cold seasons. Fennel contains a mix of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial components which help alleviate the risk of cold, cough and flu.
Blood Purifier
Jaggery is well known for its ability to purify blood. Black pepper is also good for heart as it helps clean-up arteries and purifies blood. Clean blood results in healthier body and increased immunity to fight back.
Boosts Immunity
Jaggery has a great amount of zinc, a mineral that is known to activate 300 enzymes in the body that boosts immunity. Jaggery also helps in respiratory diseases due to its richness in various minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. It also increases haemoglobin which helps in boosting immunity. Fennel seeds are enriched with vitamin C which has strong immune boosting properties. Black pepper contains an active compound piperine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper can also improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
Cleanses The Body
Fennel helps cleanse the body and remove toxins through the system. Fennel contains various vitamins that rejuvenate the skin giving it a younger glowing skin. Jaggery helps the liver by flushing out toxins from the body and helps detoxification of the system. It also cleans the respiratory tract, lungs, intestines and stomach.
Eases Menstrual Pain
Jaggery contains many essential nutrients so becomes an effective natural treatment for menstrual problems. Consuming jaggery releases endorphins and can help ease cramps and helps with PMS symptoms. Fennel has anti-inflammatory properties that helps relax the muscles in the uterus relieving the cramps and discomfort during the periods. Black pepper and ginger is used to reduce period pain by lowering the levels of prostaglandins.
Prevents Anaemia
Jaggery is very rich in iron and foliate it contains around 11mg of iron per 100 grams. It ensures a normal level of red blood cells in the body. It is especially beneficial for pregnant women. Fennel is rich in Vitamin C paring it with iron-rich foods can improve the ability of the body to absorb iron.
Boosts Intestinal Health
Jaggery helps to boost intestinal strength due to high magnesium content. It prevents constipation by activating digestive enzymes in our body that helps in proper digestion. Black pepper helps to stimulate hydrochloric acids in your stomach so as to better digest and absorb the food.
Cools The Stomach
Jaggery is a great way of keeping your stomach cool as it maintains and regulates body temperature thereby keeping the stomach cool. Fennel is effectively helpful in reducing gas and bloating.
Controls Blood Pressure
Dietary nitrate present in fennel vasodilatory and vasoprotective properties that helps in reducing blood pressure and protect the heart. Jaggery obtained from sugarcane contains sodium and potassium both theses minerals are beneficial in regulating the blood pressure of the body.
Prevents Respiratory Problems
Jaggery is exceptional treatment for breathing disorders. It relaxes respiratory muscles thus aiding in relief from any respiratory problems such as asthma, wheezing, allergy, bronchitis, etc.
Relieves Joint Pain
Jaggery helps to relieve join pain and on regular consumption help to strengthen the bones, thus preventing joint and bone problems such as arthritis in future. Black pepper reduces pain and has an anti-inflammatory benefits.
Weight Loss
Jaggery to the diet aids to boost body’s metabolism which helps to burn fat faster. It is a rich source potassium a mineral that helps to balance electrolytes as well as helps in building muscles and boosting metabolism. Potassium also helps in the reduced water retention, which helps in maintaining weight. Fennel is a rich source of fibre. It will help you stay fuller for longer by preventing cravings and overeating.
Good Source Of Energy
Fennel is a source of vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 plays an important role in energy metabolism by breaking carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. The smaller compounds so formed can be easily used for energy within the body. Jaggery is complex carbohydrate that provides energy to the body over an extended period of time.
Possible Side Effects & Precautions
Weight Gain
Consuming jaggery in excess quantities can lead to weight gain. Just 10 gms of jaggery contains 40 calories.
People Who Are Prone To Inflammation Should Avoid
The sugar content in the jaggery can lead to swelling and can also lead to fluid retention in the face. A person with inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. As per studies, the sucrose content interferes with the work of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
It Can Raise Your Blood Sugar Levels
Jaggery if used in excess can lead to increase in blood sugar levels and should not be consumed by diabetic person.
Not Recommended For Those Who Have Ulcerative Colitis
A person with ulcerative colitis should avoid the use of as jaggery as it can worsen the condition.
Not During Pregnancy
Fennel should not be consumed by pregnant women and should be consumed with caution when giving to children.
Risk Of Allergies
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients it is advisable to refrain from using gud raab.
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