Sweltering heat in our environment has already started to take its toll on stray animals; it’s only a matter of time before it affects the human health. One of the biggest health threats of this season is dehydration & heat exhaustion. Both these ailments are closely linked to each other and triggered by excess body heat. Summer is not the time to savor foods that generate heat in the body. If you want to keep summer ailments at bay, it is important to follow a diet plan that caters to your physical needs.
Beat the heat and keep your body cool by making smart food choices:
Watermelon – This delicious, juicy fruit has 95% water content. A bowl full of watermelon cubes works like a charm on hot sunny days but avoid having these at the roadside vendors.
Curd – A powerhouse of protein, Curd can be used for preparing several summer drinks like buttermilk, lassi, chaas, flavored yoghurt etc. It gives your stomach, a cooling sensation and equips the body with essential Probiotics, vitamins and minerals that are often lost due to excessive perspiration
Nimbu pani – During summer, the body tends to lose vital minerals through sweat. These minerals have to be replaced; otherwise the body may experience heat exhaustion and cramps. The very famous ‘Nimbu-paani’ is an ideal summer drink.
Coconut water – Natural electrolytes in Coconut water benefits the body by replacing the fluid loss and what’s more… it is fat-free and has a refreshing taste which makes it the perfect beverage for summer season.
Green Tea – Many of us are addicted to caffeinated drinks like tea & coffee but what’s alarming is the fact that if these beverages are consumed in excess during summer, it can trigger dehydration and hormonal imbalance, paving way for several ailments. Opt for green tea instead. It contains powerful antioxidants that can neutralize cellular damage caused by the sun’s rays.
Cardamom – One of the most popular Indian spices, Cardamom has excellent detoxifying properties that are known to keep the body cool from within even during the hottest weather conditions
Radish – This nutritious vegetable is loaded with potassium, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, folic acid, magnesium, calcium and copper. Radish also contains antioxidants that tones down the body heat and prevents heat stress.
Cucumber – 96% of this veggie is water which makes it the perfect summer food to prevent dehydration. The good news here is that you can incorporate cucumbers in your diet regime in multiple ways. Tuck it in your sandwich, add it to your salad plate or simply have it plain with a dash of salt & pepper. Cucumber juice and soups are healthy too
Sugarcane Juice – Enriched with calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and manganese, sugarcane juice helps in replenishing the lost electrolytes & water. Although sweet tasting, sugarcane juice has a low glycaemic index as compared to artificial sweeteners which makes it an apt energy drink for Diabetics
Melons belong to the same family as cucumbers and squash. Owing to its high electrolyte content, this delicious fruit is known to keep the body temperature cool and sufficiently hydrated at all times.
Green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, peas, lemon, gourds etc have approximately 75% of water content. In addition to supplying the body with plenty of macro & micro nutrients, these vegetables also improve immunity and promote overall health.
