6 unknown benefits of including rose in summer drinks and desserts

Since ages, roses have been associated with beauty and romance, and in some cultures roses and their extracts are extensively used in desserts and drinks. But do you know what happens when you add rose and its extracts to the summer diet and how this beautiful flower can amp up the taste, flavour and health quotient of summer drinks and sweet delights? Read on to find out more about it….

Rose and its extracts hold a special place in alternative medicine and traditional remedies; this is why several culinary cultures include rose petals, their infused water or extracts to boost hydration and keep the body cool and fit during the summer season. Here are some reasons why adding rosé to summer delights can level up your indulgence.

Rose has potent cooling properties, making it an ideal ingredient for summer. It helps regulate internal body temperature, especially when consumed in chilled drinks like rose milk, rose lassi, or gulab sharbat. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine classifies rose as a cooling herb, which helps counteract the heat (pitta dosha) during summer. To use this, just mix rose syrup with chilled milk and a pinch of cardamom for an instant heat-busting drink.

Rose contains compounds that promote healthy digestion. It has mild laxative effects and can reduce acidity and bloating and other common digestive issues aggravated by heat. Rose water, when consumed after meals, helps tone the digestive tract and supports gut function. Just add a splash of rose water to fruit salads or chia puddings for a gentle digestive aid.

Rose is known for its natural antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. This is due to its subtle flavor and strong aroma of rose that can naturally stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, creating feelings of happiness and relaxation. When consumed, rose works towards relaxing the senses and also uplifts the mood.

Adding rose petals or their extracts can help improve skin hydration from within and also cool down the heat. In fact, rose is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which support healthy, glowing skin and combat dryness caused by summer heat. Drinking rose-infused water or adding it to hydrating desserts like ice pops or coconut-rose puddings is a delicious way to nourish the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose may also help with acne or heat-related skin irritation.

Rose petals and rose water contain natural antibacterial and antiseptic compounds, making them subtly protective for the gut and oral hygiene when consumed regularly. This can be particularly helpful in the summer, when bacterial infections due to heat and humidity are more common.A simple way to use rose essence in homemade yogurt, drinks or sorbets can help boost immunity and keep infections at bay.

While widely known for its romantic associations, rose also supports hormonal balance, especially in women. It has been traditionally used in Persian and Unani medicine as a mild aphrodisiac and a remedy for menstrual irregularities and mood swings. Including rose in your diet may help gently regulate emotions and energy during summer months when heat can intensify hormonal fluctuations.