Chaitra Navratri 2025: Can You Drink Coffee During Fast? Here’s What Experts Say – News18
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If your fasting routine permits consuming beverages, black coffee or milk coffee are acceptable choices, but it has some conditions.
Avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach as it can lead to acidity and blood sugar spikes.
The auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri is going on in full swing. Hindu devotees have kickstarted the 9-day-long festive season with joy and fervour. These nine days are dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. People come together to worship the divine feminine energy and seek blessings for the well-being of their families and friends. Among the important Navratri rituals, one of the important elements is observing a fast. During this time, people abstain from foods like alcohol, onions, garlic, and meat.
But a question always remains on the minds of coffee lovers. While some people believe that only tea is allowed to be consumed during the fasting period, coffee lovers wonder if they can consume a cup of coffee during fasting, or does it break the rules? The answer is YES! If your fasting routine permits consuming beverages, black coffee or milk coffee are acceptable choices, but they have some conditions.
Shedding light on this, Clinical Director from the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Dr Rajesh Kumar Padhan, explains that coffee is generally allowed if the fast includes food and drinks rather than complete abstinence from eating.
“Coffee is permissible if you’re on a restricted diet and consuming certain foods or drinks during Navratri. However, drinking coffee on an empty stomach is not advisable, as it can increase acidity and spike blood sugar levels,” Dr Padhan was quoted as saying by TimesNow.
Best Alternatives to Tea/Coffee During Navratri
But if you are not a tea or coffee lover, here are some other energising beverages that you can consume during the fasting period.
Coconut Water: One of the best beverages to keep energy levels up during fasting is coconut water. Packed with electrolytes, this low-calorie drink is rich in potassium, vitamins and minerals that help alleviate fatigue, dehydration and digestive issues.
Buttermilk or Milk: Next on the list is buttermilk or normal milk. This beverage provides the much-needed protein while also preventing dehydration during the long fasting hours.
Lemon Water: This is another refreshing and rejuvenating beverage perfect for Navratri fasts. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and electrolytes, it aids digestion, boosts immunity and helps replenish fluids.
Herbal Teas: From ginger and cardamom to cinnamon and fennel, herbal teas offer a caffeine-free alternative with various effective benefits. Drink these teas throughout the day for a soothing fasting journey.
Sabudana Milk Drink: Lastly, you can also have a glass of sabudana (tapioca pearls) milkshake. It is a nutritious and filling option that will keep you full for a longer period.
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Delhi, India, India
