With the temperature rising, the searing sun has the capacity to utterly deplete us. We are placing our bodies at greater danger by disregarding this. Many people get dehydrated during the summer months, and poor energy is another indication of being affected. As a result, it is essential that we exercise particular caution throughout the summer. We can combat the harmful effects of summer by eating well and making certain lifestyle modifications. Here are a few cooling foods that you should include in your diet to combat the impacts of the hot weather.
The idea of eating healthily probably crosses your mind a dozen times a day. It makes you reconsider that grilled cheese sandwich or the three-tier chocolate and butterscotch cake you ate while seeing your diet plan crumble. The majority of us have been inadvertently pulled into an eating pattern and are urgently attempting to fight our way out. We tend to overlook or disregard granny’s easy solution of eating fresh, seasonal vegetables among a slew of lifestyle issues.
Summer turns much of India into a working oven for the most of the day. To combat the oppressive heat, people are continuously drinking, washing their faces, and eating icy treats and snacks. Summer, on the other hand, brings with it a bounty of nature, with easy access to a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, melons, and berries. Supermarket produce sections are overflowing with all kinds of fresh food. And, if you choose organic, particularly because most food is seasonal, you could get fortunate and locate something without any additives or chemicals. So, instead of an ice lolly, go for a glass of juice. You’ll not only be making a better option, but you’ll also be removing a lot of empty calories from your daily allotment. Here are a few items that are both delicious and healthful to eat during the summer heat.
What’s the big deal about eating seasonal foods?
They have double the flavor, more crunch, and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other critical elements.
Green vegetables, melons, peaches, maize, mangoes, and other fresh and aromatic plants are among the summer bearings. Summer is when local markets are at their finest, with an abundance of fruits and vegetables that are as fresh as they can be. Consuming foods that are out of season exposes you to pesticides and preservatives that are used to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a popular summer fruit that arrives for a cause. It helps to meet your body’s water requirements since it includes 91.45% water. Watermelon also has anti-oxidant qualities and provides a pleasant cooling sensation. Dehydration may cause a slew of other issues, particularly in the summer. The high water content of watermelons and muskmelons aids in body temperature regulation. Staying hydrated is important for maintaining a fresh complexion and a sharp memory. When combined with exercise, melons may help you lose weight since their high water content keeps you satiated on relatively few calories.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are high in fiber and may help prevent constipation in the heat. Cucumber also has a high water content. So, consume this crunchier cuisine to keep cool in the summer heat.
Curd
Curd has a cooling impact on the body in addition to being tasty. Curd also comes in a variety of flavors. Make a sweet lassi or a hot buttermilk. You may also create raita and serve it with your meal. Curd may also be eaten by mixing it with seasonal fruits or producing delicious smoothies. This portion-controlled, protein-rich snack is convenient to consume on the move. Take it to the beach or to the pool in a cooler. Yogurt is ideal for summertime consumption.
Coconut juice
The finest summer drink is coconut water. This ‘not-so-expensive’ drink is rich with critical vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients and is available in practically all fruit stores. It contains cooling characteristics that assist you in combating the heat. Regularly drinking coconut water has also been shown to protect against cancer in studies.
Mint
Almost any vegetable dealer will have this affordable herb on hand. Adding mint to curd, chaach, or raita may provide additional advantages. You may also make mint chutney, which is a popular dish in practically every Indian household. Mint not only keeps your body temperature low, but it also refreshes you. Two drops of lemon in a glass of filtered mint water works wonderfully. It cleanses the liver, increases metabolism, and aids people with a weak appetite.
Leafy green veggies
There are various advantages to eating green leafy veggies all year. Green leafy vegetables also contain a lot of water, therefore include them in your regular diet is good. Remember not to overcook these veggies since they will lose their water content.
Onions
You may be shocked to learn that onions have cooling effects as well. Because eating them raw may damage your flavor, combine them with lemon and salt in salads. Another method to consume onion is to use it in veggies, curries, and raita. Red onions are high in quercetin, which is a natural anti-allergen. Including onions in your everyday diet may also help prevent you from sunstroke.
Water with lime
Lime water, also known as nimboo pani, is another delightful summer drink. A glass of lime water has several health advantages. You may use sweet limewater and season it with salt and cumin powder to increase the flavor. Lime water keeps you cool and refreshed throughout the day.
Dark Leafy Greens
Eat plenty of fresh raw kale, spinach, and green lettuce instead of cooked vegetables. Dark green fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest foods available. Carotenoids, antioxidants, and folates abound in them (a nutrient that is especially valuable for pregnant women). Sun protection is also provided by leafy greens. They reduce UV sensitivity and heal flaky and dry skin, bolstering the skin’s defenses against harmful rays. The health advantages of substituting a salad for a regular meal are tremendous. Leafy greens, such as kale and lettuce, as well as sprouts, are high in carotenoids, which the body converts to vitamin A. This aids in the protection of the skin against damaging UV radiation. It also aids in the healing of dry skin by increasing the skin’s sun defenses. Salads are great because they can be made with nearly anything, from fruits to fish, and yet taste great.
Corn
Summer isn’t complete without fresh sweet corn. Corn is a staple of summer barbecues, whether boiled or grilled, and it offers some little-known health advantages. According to Healthline, corn includes lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Sunglasses may help protect your eyes from the sun, but eating corn can provide additional protection. On a warm summer evening, nothing beats the flavor of fresh corn on the cob. This convenient snack is not only tasty but also high in starch. It aids in the production of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial to eye health, and the antioxidants present also aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, which causes blindness in the elderly.
Fruits Citrus
Oranges, although not being a summer seasonal fruit, are high in potassium, a vitamin that is especially important in the summer. Potassium is lost via perspiration, which may cause muscular cramps. Oranges contain 80% water, making them a delightful way to remain hydrated. To add some additional Vitamin C to your summer diet, add freshly squeezed lemon to your water or homemade lemonade instead of soda. Also, add freshly squeezed lemon to your summer salads and fish.
Mangoes
Mangoes are the ideal summer treat if you don’t believe in calorie counting. Mangoes have a high iron level, which might help individuals boost their calcium intake. It is a pleasant summer fruit that may help avoid heat strokes. It also contains a lot of vitamins A and C, which serve to strengthen the immune system. Mango ice cream prepared with almond milk is also a delightful summer treat without the added sugar calories, plus it’s completely vegan.
Berries
Summer is the season of delicious berries, which are high in flavonoids, which assist the body fight a variety of severe ailments. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are also known to improve blood flow throughout the body, renewing skin and reducing sensitivity to light, making skin seem brighter and smoother. This is especially important during the hot summer months. Berries include a lot of fiber, around 8 grams per cup.