Summers are here so here’s re-introducing stuff that looks after the environment outside and inside our system, doesn’t call for Kiwis from New Zealand or Quinoa from South America, patronises local farmers, relishes home-grown recipes & propels food that makes you look as yummy as its taste

1Matka Water: Bring back the matka, malmal cloth and khus-khus grass. Add khus to the bottom of the matka, pour water on top and wrap the malmal around it. Khus is India’s ancient secret of keeping everything cool. The porous matka adds a unique taste and keeps water free of pathogens. let’s call the khus-khus a herb and there you have it – pure, mineral rich and herbed water for a complete detox. If you had a business brain, you would be selling this water! Khus-khus is also called Vetiver and you will find it in all high-end soaps and perfumes, not just for its distinct aroma but for its ability to reduce anxiety and bring about a calming effect.

2Dahi: For all those who suffer from constipation, gas and acidity in summers, this one is a daily must. But, set the curd at home with whole milk. This retains the essential fats, vitamins D, B & B12. The process of turning milk into dahi enhances it with “good bacteria”. The growth of this essential bacteria is curtailed in probiotic products available in the market & that’s why they don’t go bad for days. Dahi strengthens intestines, reduces acidity and keeps the bloating down. For best results, have dahi-rice as a meal.

3Gulukand: A superfood made with rose petals, sugar, traditional herbs & spices. Prevents facial breakouts and keeps skin fresh & glowing. A hidden gem from the Indian kitchen, rich in phyto-nutrients, polyphenols and probiotics, it’s so tasty that you will have trouble thinking of it as a therapeutic product. Start your day with a tsp or have half a tsp with lunch and dinner.

4Kokum Sherbet: Or Garcinia Indica if you prefer exotic and non-local names. Native to Western Ghats, Kokum has been traditionally used as a fruit, in curry and as sherbet. Other than ensuring no ulcer grows in your mouth or stomach during summers, it also works as an anti-obesity, anti-cancer agent.

5Sabja Seeds: Move over chia seeds. Before the Internet age and the flood of weight loss ads about chia, sabja seeds floated on every falooda, chaas and kheer in Indian homes. Not just a quick detox but an instant cooler and bloating reliever. A glass of water with soaked sabja seeds helps you thin down – try it before wearing your favourite dress.

6 Mango: Before you strike it off your list, you must know that to look like a queen, you need to keep good company of this king of fruits. Mango is great to taste, a quick and effective cleanser of the system and an under-utilised weight loss aid. Do soak it in water for half-hour before consumption.

7  Nariyal Pani: The nectar from this divine fruit is not just a thirst quencher but keeps the balance of sodium and potassium required for freshness of your skin. It prevents dehydration & is a cramp & migraine reliever.

8Jeera: You may not think much of this humble spice but it detoxes your system, calms nerves and aids fat burning efforts. Roast & powder it to sprinkle on chhaas with a pinch of kala namak and you feel and look cooler than ever.

9Cashew Apple: It’s the conical fruit out of which the cashewnut sprouts. Five times richer in Vitamin C than orange, this makes for a perfect tangy drink with just one bite. Global food giants are hot on it. Brazilians eat it for detox & its ability to burn stubborn fat.

10 Jowar: Jowar is an ancient Indian grain which cools naturally. If you want to overcome the weight loss plateau, have Jowar rotis. Rich in Vitamin B1, iron & fibre, it picks up fat burn rate. Also a brain food.