Top foods to beat the summer heat

The days are getting longer and warmer. As we are stepping into peak summers, many of us do not feel like eating due to the heat. Most love to keep hydrating. But, it is important to both have a good balance of diet (nutrition) as well as optimum hydration. Opting for either can take a toll on your health. Even the ancient Ayurveda text has categorized foods on the basis of their cooling or a heating effect inside our body which in turn has an impact on our metabolism and digestion.  So, to beat this heat, here’s a list of cooling food items that you should make a part of your meals.

Coconut water:

Loaded with minerals and electrolytes, it helps in replenishing the hydration levels and nutrients loss that occur during sweating. It has a soothing effect on your body and can instantly provide you some energy. This is the most famous cooling food which quenches your thirst as well.

Sabja seeds:

Not to be confused with chis seeds, these are also known as basil seeds. They have a naturally cooling effect and also provide good amount of fibre and minerals to the body. Soak them overnight or for 2-3 hours prior to consumption. Mix them in dahi/ buttermilk or make a healthy & delicious faluda using them!

Watermelon:

Full of antioxidants like Vitamin A and C, it contains more than 90% water. It is great at keeping you hydrated along with providing good amount of vitamins and minerals to beat the summer heat.

Cucumber or Kakdi:

Cucumber or kakdi is high on water content and helps in hydration. It has natural cooling properties and adds great nutritional value to your meals too. Have them as snack or include them in form of salads in your meals.

Mint leaves:

This calming and soothing herb has great antioxidant capacities. It aids relieving sunburn and rashes. It helps in soothing inflammation and temperature rise associated with headaches and migraines. Few crushed leaves added in buttermilk/ lassi or simple water can provide you the vast associated health benefits.

Ghiya/ Lauki:

Lauki is incredibly hydrating and cooling due to its high water content, and hence, is an ideal summer vegetable. Juicing a lauki and drinking it after a long day out in the sun or after a workout, will instantly hydrate your body and replenish the electrolytes that are lost while sweating in the heat. It is a cooling food that is light on the stomach.

Buttermilk:

Drinking buttermilk in summers is a great way to provide your body with the required probiotics, minerals and vitamins that might be lost due to excessive sweating. It is best to have it fresh, right before leaving home to keep your body cool under the harsh sunlight.

Sattu:

It is a powder made of mixture of ground pulses and cereals. A traditional sattu drink is popular in summer for it is a good source of natural fibre, protein and carbohydrates. It is a very popular cooling food used traditionally in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It has a neutral taste, cooling effect and is easy to digest.

However, not all of these foods might work for you. Contact our qualified nutrition and holistic health experts at My22BMI for a one time Free Consultation Call and find out which foods are best for you!

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My22BMI is a digital healthcare startup addressing the problem of managing lifestyle diseases through personalized diet plans. My22BMI empower lives to eat healthy and smartly and believe food should be your first medicine. The expert health coaches provide personalized diet plans for heart health, gut health, skin & hair health, weight management, mother & child nutrition and hormonal health. Download our Android app from the Google playstore.