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. With rising mercury levels and weather conditions turning hot & sultry, it’s time to take necessary steps to keep your body cool.
Beat the heat and keep summer ailments at bay with these Natural Coolants
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
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.
Kokum – Rich in anti-oxidants, Kokum has a cooling effect on the body and is also beneficial for the Liver. What’s more…it protects the body from dehydration & sunstroke and is also a remedy for diarrhea and many allergic reactions.
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
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.
Barley water – Loaded with vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorous, manganese and copper, Barley water not only strengthens the immune system but also promotes bone health and helps in the formation of hemoglobin–which is needed to produce red blood cells. What’s more…it also brings down the heat content in the body
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
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.
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.
Sweet toddy (Neera) – Packed with essential vitamins, amino acids and minerals like potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron, Neera, also known as sweet toddy or palm nectar is a natural detox drink with a refreshing taste. 100 ml of Neera provides 75 calories of energy and 250 mg of proteins. What’s more… it keeps the body cool from within and aids digestion
Tadgolas – Also known as Ice apples, Tadgolas act as natural coolants for the body. Having them regularly during summer is a tasty way to battle heat exhaustion & fatigue. Apart from treating various stomach ailments and digestive problems, Ice apples also help in stabilizing the glucose levels and maintaining a healthy body weight.