Foods That Can Cool You In The Summer

During summer-time, one needs to consume foods that can cool the body while also helping avoid dehydration and dryness of the skin. It is important that we should take extra care during the hot season. Consuming certain foods can help to keep you cool during the summer.

Dehydration- A common issue

Dehydration is a common complaint and when not looked into can lead to problems like fluctuations in blood pressure, and an imbalance of water and electrolytes. So we need to choose foods that will keep us hydrated and not cause any health problems.

Choose the right foods

To cool ourselves the foods which come to mind are cold drinks, ice creams, or foods from the refrigerator. But these can aggravate respiratory conditions.

To cool down your body, have these foods-

• Buttermilk
• Tender coconut water
• Soups
• Lime water
• Mint chutney
• Onions
• Celery
• Raita with your food
• Vegetables like cucumber and gourds
• Fresh vegetable juices
• Fresh fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and citrus fruits.

Add a pinch of salt and sugar as it helps to keep up the water and electrolyte balance.

The right way to consume fluids

• One should not fill their stomach with water or fluids alone. Fluids are essential but should be consumed preferably in between meals.
• Avoid deep-fried foods, sweets and chocolates, and bakery items.
• Avoid aerated drinks.
• Avoid the excess salt intake.
• Avoid packaged drinks as they contain preservatives, which are not safe.
• Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Keep sipping water throughout the day.
• Eat at least 2 to 3 fruits a day. Prefer fruits rather than juice. Eat plenty of vegetables both fresh and cooked.

Also check:

• Summer Care to Prevent a Heat Stroke
• Summer Indoor Workout

Additional tips to keep yourself cool during the summer-time

• Bottoms up:  It is always important to drink plenty of water for proper hydration. Water intake needs special attention in the summer.
• Wear loose cotton clothes: Cotton absorbs the sweat from your body, keeps you cool, and prevents infection.
• Wear light color clothes: Light shades keep you cool as they reflect most of the sun's rays back into the atmosphere.
• Turn off the lights: Light bulbs give off heat. Take proper advantage of natural light as much as possible and keep rooms cool after dark by using lights minimally.
• Go for a swim: The body loses heat in the water much quicker than it loses heat in the air.

Follow these tips and remain cool and healthy this summer!