Nimbu Sharbat: Health Benefits and Recipe

My girl, Zarah, began a website around the same time as myself. Her page is on health and wellness and I thought what better way to collaborate with her then with this drink right here. My mom always made it for me when I was younger and I remembered how much I loved it. Not only was it basically like a lemonade (my fave juice) with an Indian twist but it also made me feel great physically. I assumed there were health benefits but never looked in to what they were. Luckily, Z did, check out her excerpt about the health benefits of Nimbu Sharbat below as well as the recipe to try it at home!

The Nimbu Sharbat contains three major ingredients: cumin, ground pepper, and lime - all of which are known to provide a ton of health benefits for the body. Because these three are so widely used in cooking, we often forget that they bring more than just flavor to the table. Black pepper and lime both have rich antioxidant properties while cumin works to increase the the absorbance of antioxidants from your diet. Furthermore, cumin contributes digestion aid, iron, and regulation of blood glucose levels because of its role in activating insulin production (a hormone that regulates carbohydrate and fat storage / metabolism).

Early research studies show that black pepper and lime may have even more benefits than just their antioxidant properties. Black pepper is thought to increase the absorption of essential nutrients from consumed food as well as the “good” bacteria present in the digestive tract. Limes are an easy, low-calorie way to flavor almost any food or drink which explains their popularity. However, they are also rich in vitamin C and therefore, provide effects like increased iron absorption and decreased risk of heart disease.

So... what's the recipe? Check it out below!

What you'll need:

- 2 cups water

- 2 limes (squeezed)

- 1-2 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground pepper

- 2 tsp salt (but correct based on taste)

- 2 tbsp sugar

- Mint for garnish

Add add ice and mixture to shaker, shake it up, and enjoy!