Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 28: As India faces an intense summer and reports of soft drink shortages, health experts are recommending a traditional alternative — bael sharbat — as a healthier and more effective way to stay cool and hydrated.

Once a staple in Indian households, bael (wood apple) sharbat is now being highlighted as a “super summer drink” due to its natural cooling properties, hydration benefits, and digestive support.

Kiran Dalal, chief clinical nutritionist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, said bael sharbat is “generally a healthy summer drink, especially when prepared with minimal added sugar.” She noted that it helps prevent heat stress and dehydration, making it ideal during extreme temperatures.

In comparison, she dismissed Diet Coke as lacking nutritional value. “It is not healthy — just low in calories. It provides no vitamins, no electrolytes, and no real hydration benefits needed in extreme heat,” she said.

Bael sharbat is rich in fibre and natural sugars, offering sustained energy without sudden spikes or crashes. It also contains essential electrolytes like potassium, which help maintain hydration and support bodily functions during hot weather. Experts add that moderate consumption aids digestion and may help prevent constipation.

Preparing bael sharbat at home is simple. The fruit’s hard shell is cracked open, the pulp scooped out and mixed with water, then strained. A small amount of jaggery or lime can be added for taste before serving it chilled.

Unlike processed beverages, this homemade drink is free from artificial additives and preservatives, making it a balanced and natural option for summer.

With rising temperatures, experts say traditional drinks like bael sharbat not only cool the body but also provide essential nutrients — offering far more benefits than fizzy, low-calorie sodas.