With the mercury level on rise, the scorching sun has the potential to drain us out completely. By ignoring this, we are putting our bodies at higher risk.
Many feel dehydrated during summer months and experiencing low energy level is another symptom of being hit by it. Hence, it is important that we should take extra care during the hot season. From eating right to following certain lifestyle changes, we can beat the hazardous impacts of summer.
Here we have listed a few cooling foods that you should definitely add to your diet to fight against the hot climate effects.
Watermelon
Watermelon, a seasonal summer fruit comes for a reason. As it contains 91.45 per cent water, it helps in fulfilling your body’s water requirement. Also, loaded with anti-oxidants properties, watermelon gives you a wonderful cooling effect.
Cucumber
Loaded with fibre, eating cucumber in summer helps in keeping constipation at bay. Cucumber also contains high amount of water content. So, have this crunchier food and stay cool during the hot weather.
Curd
Curd is not only delicious but also gives a coolant effect to the body. You can have curd in different variants too. Make spicy buttermilk, or sweet lassi. You can also make raita and can eat it with your food. Another option to eat curd is by adding seasonal fruits in it or by making lip-smacking smoothies.
Coconut water
Coconut water is the best summer drink. This ‘not-so-expensive’ drink is available in almost all fruit shops and is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It has cooling properties that help you fight against the hot weather. Studies also show that drinking coconut water regularly also protect against cancer.
Mint
This inexpensive herb is easily available with almost all vegetable vendors. Adding mint in curd, chaach or in raita could give you added benefits. You can also prepare mint chutney, which is a common thing prepared in almost all Indian houses. Mint not only keeps your body temperature cool but also gives you a refreshing effect.
Green leafy vegetables
Having green leafy vegetables around the year gives you numerous benefits. And adding them to your daily diet is also beneficial as green leafy vegetables contain high amount of water content. Remember, avoid over-cooking these vegetables as it could cause loss of water content in them.
Onions
You may get surprised to know that onions too provide cooling properties. Eating them raw may ruin your taste, hence mixe it with lemon and salt and prepare salads. Another way to eat onion is by adding it in your vegetables, curries and raita. The red onions are loaded with quercetin, which is considered as a natural anti-allergen. Adding onion to your daily diet also helps in protecting you against the sun-stroke.
Melons
Loaded with high amount of water content, it is great to eat melons during summer. They help you in staying hydrated and gives you a cooling and refreshing effect.
Lime water
Lime water, also referred to as nimboo pani is another refreshing drink for summer. A glass of lime water provides many health benefits. You can have sweet limewater, can add salt, a pinch of cumin powder to it to enhance its flavour. Lime water keeps you chilled and refreshed all day long.
Celery
With water content of 95 per cent, celery contains essential nutrients that keep you going during the hot weather. Celery is also loaded with sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc!
