Yay, summer is finally here. Indeed, it is not merely a season in the yearly calendar marked by long hot days, but is an emotion, comprising wearing comfy cotton clothes and relaxing by the beach. However, as the wet monsoons and cold winters make way for clear skies, with the sun shining in all its glory, along come the issues of excessive sweating, dehydration, exhaustion, all from the scorching weather. The intense burning climate induces high amounts of fatigue and wears you down, whether you step out in the bright morning for work, exercise, shopping, or just remain indoors on a hot afternoon. Which invariably makes you crave some chilled foods, to gain much-needed respite from the sweltering heat and pump up your energy levels. And the less fattening these dishes are, the better right? Especially if you are watching your weight and are looking to shed a few kilos so you can flaunt a slim, toned physique, as well as those sleeveless tees, halter tops, shorts, skirts, dresses from your summer wardrobe? Well, then a bowl of frozen yoghurt is just what you need!
So What Exactly Is Frozen Yoghurt?
Of course, you are familiar with yoghurt, developed from fermented milk, that originated thousands of years ago in India and the Middle East, as well as its Indian variants of dahi and the diluted spiced form – chaas/ buttermilk. It was this age-old humble dairy produce that underwent a significant evolution in the 1970s in the United States, with the invention of frozen yoghurt, popularly called “froyo”, made for the new-age population, which was becoming increasingly health-conscious. And today, frozen yoghurt is widely sold and much-loved by people in all parts of the world. Frozen yoghurt is a low-fat alternative to the considerably rich ice cream, a fan-favourite summertime chilled sweet delight. This is because it contains only yoghurt obtained from milk, in the cooled form, with a little bit of natural sweeteners like honey, sugar, unlike the latter, which is prepared from cream, being very high on fat.
Frozen yoghurt, a weight-loss wonder that is the perfect way to lower body heat in the blazing summers, is also laden with nutrients including probiotics, proteins, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, vitamin B12 and magnesium. These beneficial components enhance digestion, bolster immunity, strengthen bones, muscles, joints, promote metabolism, augment brain functions and uplift heart wellness. Moreover, to mask the inherent sourness of yoghurt and make it taste and look similar to ice cream, froyo is often served in cups and cones in shops, in various flavours of chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and with a plethora of toppings like fruits, cookies, chocolates, nuts and candies.
Also Read: Excessive Body Heat: 7 Simple Ways To Bring It Down
Tempting Luscious Frozen Yoghurt Recipes:
And if you wish to take your dessert-making skills up a notch and recreate the delectable, chilled dessert of frozen yoghurt at home this summer season, we bring you two healthy, delicious recipes – Mango Lemon Frozen Yoghurt and Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yoghurt. Made from natural ingredients including Greek yoghurt, fresh fruits, lush herbs that are packed with proteins, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these icy flavourful desserts are sure to treat your taste buds and uplift your overall health.
Mango Lemon Frozen Yoghurt
Ingredients:
1 big ripe mango, cut into slices and chilled
3 tbsp honey
2 cups plain, low-fat Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
A few small mango chunks, for toppings
Method:
Put the cold cut mango slices, honey, low-fat Greek yoghurt and lemon juice in a mixer and pulse for 2 minutes, to obtain a thick creamy consistency.
Blend for a few more seconds to ensure there are no lumps and a smooth paste is formed.
Transfer this blend to an air-tight container and refrigerate overnight.
Garnish the lip-smacking Mango Lemon Frozen Yoghurt with small mango bits and dig into this cool creamy delight on a hot summer day.
Nutrition:
Yoghurt comprises profuse amounts of probiotics, which are useful bacteria and microbes that enhance gut health, digestion and build immunity. Bestowed with vitamin C, lemon juice fosters an active defence mechanism, rids the body of harmful free radicals due to its antioxidant properties and detoxifies the system. Mango supplies vast reserves of vitamin A, for optimal eyesight and preventing vision-related disorders like glaucoma, AMD i.e. age-related macular degeneration.
Also Check Out: 5 Health Reasons Why You Should Eat Mangoes - Infographic
Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yoghurt
Ingredients:
9 – 11 mint leaves
½ cup chocolate chips
2 cups fresh yoghurt/dahi
3 tbsp sugar
A fistful of mint leaves, for toppings
Method:
Prepare a paste with mint leaves in a mixer.
In a large bowl, whisk together the paste of mint leaves, chocolate chips, fresh yoghurt, sugar, until a homogenous creamy blend is obtained.
Sprinkle some chocolate chips on top, pour this blend into the cubes in deep-bottomed ice-trays and freeze for an hour.
Insert the wooden popsicle sticks into the blend in each cubicle in the ice-tray, refrigerate overnight.
Top off with some fresh finely cut mint leaves on the yummy Mint Chocolate Chip Frozen Yoghurt popsicles and savour this icy treat in the blistering summer.
Nutrition:
Yoghurt is an excellent source of proteins, for fortified muscles, growth and development of organs in the body, as well as vitamin B6 for uplifted nervous system functioning and calcium, magnesium for strong bones, joints. Mint leaves are rich in iron, for healthy red blood cell synthesis and circulation. Chocolate provides calories for instant energy and also contains stimulant compounds that enrich positive, happy moods for mental wellbeing.
