Summers are fun until you have to leave the house and deal with the heat, sweat, dehydration and irritation. As annoying as it is, heat is also the root cause of many health problems. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause illnesses such as exhaustion, cramps and even sunstrokes.
In a country like India where the temperatures are usually high, it is important to take precautionary steps to avoid heat-related illnesses. While you cannot control the heat outside, you can work on maintaining it from the inside. What you eat plays a vital role in maintaining the body temperature, and keeping your body cool. Here’s a list of healthy and easily available foods that will keep you cool and hydrated during the hot sunny days.
Beverages:
The key to staying cool this summer is to hydrate, and what better than water. However, there are plenty of other sources in nature that will help you keep your hydration on point.
- Coconut Water
Coconut water is loaded with vitamins and minerals like potassium, sodium and calcium. It also contains electrolytes that are effective in re-hydration and energize your body when you have heat stress. Having just one serving of coconut water can rejuvenate your body.
- Buttermilk
Buttermilk (chaas) is high in potassium, vitamin B12 and calcium. It is a rich source of probiotics that help build healthy bacteria that are good for the gut. Buttermilk is also a good source of phosphorus that helps the body restore its natural energy when it’s feeling drained by the heat.
- Lime Water
This one particular beverage is easily found in every nook and corner, is easy to make and really cheap, but has multiple health benefits. A glass of nimbu paani will refresh you when you are down and drained.
Fruits:
It is hard to enjoy a heavy meal during the summers, especially in the afternoons when the sun is literally above your heads. However, skipping the meal is not wise. Hence, you can replace it with some healthy fruits that are rich in water content.
- Watermelon:
As the name suggests watermelon is one of the best hydrating foods. Watermelon is around 90% water and a great alternative to help you out this summer, will also tickle your sweet tooth with its natural sugars. It is full of antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the body.
2. Tomatoes:
Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red can protect you from the sun, hence it is recommended to include tomatoes in your diet in summers. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin A, C and K, and are considered to be a superfood when it comes to sun protection.
- Pomegranate:
The intake of pomegranate in the summers is highly recommended. They have sun protective compounds that protect the skin from sunburn and reduce the signs of skin damage. The oil from pomegranate seeds contains the antioxidant ellagic acid that helps inhibit skin tumors.
Vegetables:
1. Cucumber:
Loaded with fibre, eating cucumber in summer will help you keep constipation at bay. The water content of cucumber is nearly 95%, so it will not only keep your body cool but will also keep you hydrated.
- Carrots:
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, minerals and fiber making it a super healthy addition to your plate. The beta-carotene in carrots reduces reactions of sunburn protecting your skin.
- Radish:
Radish is a great source of vitamin C that helps lower body heat. Apart from being water-rich, radish also has anti-inflammatory properties that effectively fight heat stress and fatigue.