INDIA: Foods that beat the heat! When the sun unleashes full wrath on humankind that renders the body weak and exhausting in broad daylight hours, we are all left with our palms sweating in the blistering heat. The ACs and coolers are the only hope, but the surging electricity bill frets everyone that dwindles their savings.
During such days, it is equally important for us to stay physically strong and active to avoid any form of lethargy. Eating fresh seasonal fruits and drinking a lot of water are fundamental sources of energy.
However, there are other sources of food that contain various kinds of nutrition, providing a wider range of options to choose from. Some energy-boosting and rejuvenating foods for beating the summer heat are listed below.
Best food items to keep your body cool
Yoghurt
Yoghurt not only tastes wonderful but also cools the body down. Yoghurt is available in several different forms, too. Buttermilk and lassi are delicious options. Along with the meals, you can prepare and consume raita. Other ways to eat yoghurt include adding seasonal fruits or making it into smoothies with a more fancy touch.
Watermelon
The season for the fruit watermelon coincides with the arrival of summer. Being 91.45% water, it tries to fulfil the body’s water needs. Watermelon also has outstanding cooling properties due to the abundance of antioxidants in it.
Leafy green vegetables
Eating green, leafy vegetables 12 months a year has many benefits. Green leafy vegetables have a high water content and help to strengthen the immune system; including them frequently in the diet is advantageous. It’s important to remember that overcooking or overboiling these vegetables could make them lose their water content.
Fish or Tofu
It’s best to steer clear of chicken and meat throughout the summer because they can raise body temperature. Instead, it is advisable to prefer lean proteins like tofu (for vegetarians) and fish. When properly cooked, fish meat has much less cholesterol and fibres that are easier to digest. The best option is freshwater fish because it doesn’t cause hunger or high blood pressure and has a low sodium content.
Citrus fruits
Lemon, orange, pineapple, and muskmelon are just a handful of the delectable and effective thirst-quenchers that belong to the citrus family. They have a lot of fibres and a lot of water. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which allows the body to flush out toxins and calm nerves. They can be juiced or eaten sliced. Only pineapple includes bromelain, an enzyme thought to reduce bodily inflammation.
Also Read: 5 Nutrition-rich Foods For a Happy and Healthy Heart
