Bhubaneswar: Pana Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti, is the traditional new year day festival of Hindus in Odisha. The day is named after ‘Pana’ the main drink prepared on this occasion.
People mark the advent of the New Year by drinking ‘pana’ made with ‘bela’ (wood apple) and sugar. The drink doesn’t only represent Odisha’s unique traditions but also bears significant scientific benefits.
1: Firstly, the drink made of the pulp of the wood apple or Bela is extremely healthy and helps to keep the body cool during the scorching summer.
2: Another health benefit of ‘Pana’ is that it is highly nutritious. It contains nutrients like vitamins, and organic compounds, including their tannins, calcium, phosphorous, fiber, protein, and iron.
3: It helps in blood purification and the removal of toxins that can cause extensive damage to the body. It also reduces the strain on kidneys and keeps them healthy.
4: As a good source of beta-carotene, wood apples also cure liver problems. They contain thiamine and riboflavin, both of which are known as liver health boosters, this fruit also functions as an ingredient in cardiac tonics.
5: It’s a natural energy booster. A hundred grams of Bela fruit pulp provides 140 calories which boost organ activity and metabolic speed.
