Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Summers are here and it’s that time of the year when it gets harder to do anything other than curl up inside an air-conditioned room.
With the unsparing sun at its harshest, the sweltering heat does more harm than good.
It poses serious effects on people’s physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive ability.
It also leads to a host of other health problems including:
- Painful muscle spasms in the arms, legs
- Faintness or dizziness
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Profuse sweating
- Low energy levels
- Clammy skin
During the scorching summer heat, it may be tempting to down another chilled drink to beat the heat.
However, the focus should be on eating intrinsically cooling foods that will keep heat-induced health issues at bay and give your body ample nutrition to survive the harshness of the weather.
So, read on as we tell a list of foods you must include in your diet during these hot months to stay well and disease-free.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk made with fresh curds is considered to be one of the best fluids to cool your system and relieve the heat from your body.
This is because buttermilk is predominantly water plus minerals and some protein and fats.
A glass of buttermilk is the next best thing you can give your body to fight dehydration caused in summers.
Kokum
Kokum is the “cool king” of Indian fruits and is commonly used in foods in Gujarat, Maharashtra and southern states.
The refreshingly cool juice of the kokum plant is not only delightful in taste but is also known to prevent dehydration and sunstroke.
It is one of the best drinks to consume during summer, as it helps in maintaining body temperature by reducing heat.
So, all through the summers, use it to cool down your entire system, soothe acidity attacks and those burning sensations in the heart and stomach due to indigestion.
Fresh coconut water
Coconut is nature’s coolest hydrant that is loaded with essential minerals which help the body maintain its electrolyte balance.
This fabulous coolant is an alternative to processed, artificially-sweetened sports drinks and sodas.
From preventing dehydration to quenching thirst, this nectar can be your best friend in the summer.
Bitter gourd (Karela)
This humble vegetable that is condemned for its bitter taste is actually sweet for your health and can be your saviour during summers.
It helps you deal with heat and is also useful for stomach problems like acidity, even if you indulge in heating foods occasionally.
Bottle gourd (Lauki)
Lauki, also known as bottle gourd, is an underrated summer vegetable that acts as a hydrant and natural coolant.
Consumption of bottle gourd on a regular basis keeps the body hydrated, energized and rejuvenated.
It delivers lots of water (it is 96 per cent water). It is loaded with potassium which helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a quintessence of summer indulgence that helps in giving your body ample hydration.
Right from eating it raw to drinking its juice, this fruit has high water content and low-calorie content (a whole cup of watermelon contains only 48 calories).
It is packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature and delivers vitamin C, beta-carotene, B vitamins necessary for energy production, magnesium, and potassium, among other nutrients.
Gulkand
This delicious preserve is made from rose petals believed to have natural cooling properties.
During summers, even eating a small amount offers a plethora of benefits that helps alleviate all heat-related problems like nose bleeding, tiredness, aches and pains.
It’s great for reducing burning sensation in soles and palms digestive tonic too and also enhances the digestion process by rectifying all digestive issues.
Being a good blood purifier, it is also quite useful for clearing toxins from the body, besides helping reduce excessive perspiration and foul body odour, both common problems during summers.
Raw mango juice (Aam panna)
Raw mango juice or aam panna is an excellent refreshing and rehydrating summer drink popular as a home remedy for sunstroke.
It is filled with electrolytes that hydrate and rejuvenate the cells and also protect the skin from sun damage.
Additionally, aam panna has powerful antipyretic effects, which means, it helps lower the body temperature.
Final thoughts
These foods should help to cruise through the summer heat and loss of fluids and essential nutrients.
If you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion that do not improve after trying some of the above-mentioned foods, see your doctor.
Furthermore, you should also opt for regular health checks. These provide you with a comprehensive insight into your health, allowing you to take the necessary precautions to keep your health in check.
