Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Summer is already peaking across the country with the day temperature crossing the 40 degree Celsius mark every single day.
Such high levels of heat can be detrimental to your health, shows research. Extreme heat can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Some people may experience symptoms of heat exhaustion that include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature.
Others may suffer from symptoms of heatstroke including:
- Rapid heartbeat
- High body temperature
- Headache
- Seizures
- Hot dry skin
- Heavy sweating
Did you know that there is a spectrum of food that can cause discomfort while fighting summer woes by actually increasing your internal body temperature?
The best way to keep your body cool during the scorching heat this summer is by keeping your diet right.
Read on to find out about which foods may make the ongoing heatwave spell more manageable.
Here are 12 such food items.
Spinach
Spinach, despite being the ‘healthiest food in the world‘, is innately hot. It causes an extended-release of energy and (you guessed it) heat.
That is why this leafy vegetable is generally recommended to be eaten during winters.
Peanuts
Summers aren’t the best time to snack on lots of peanuts. Peanuts speed up metabolism, causing heat in the body, and increasing blood circulation.
Excess heat in the body can cause cracks on the lips and headaches and other problems. However, you can have it once in a while during summers.
Brown rice
Made up of complex carbohydrates, brown rice and other whole grains are harder to digest.
Their consumption generates a considerable amount of heat during digestion, so it’s better to avoid them in summer.
Mangoes
Don’t believe it? Scientists confirm it is true. A study found that the ‘king of fruits,’ if consumed in excessive amounts, actually increases body heat and even a fridge can’t take away the ‘heaty‘ property of the mango.
Carrots
From a culinary perspective, they add great flavour to food, but unfortunately, they’re also known for their body heating properties as they require more energy during the process of digestion.
Ginger
This one does not come as a surprise. Ginger is a very potent root that warms the entire digestive system.
This popular kitchen spice possesses thermogenic properties. Regular consumption during summers can dry your body from the inside by stimulating fluid loss through body secretions such as sweat or mucus.
Beet
Root vegetables are innately hot, which is why their consumption is generally known to warm your extremities.
Eggs
This superfood contains a high amount of protein, calcium and iron and should be eaten only in moderation during summers.
Eggs kick start your metabolism to do what it does: generate energy that makes you feel warm.
During summer, it is recommended that you consume no more than two eggs per day because eating more than that can produce excessive heat in the body, which can cause digestive difficulties.
Almonds
Almonds, like other nuts, warm the body because their digestion process is slower, which creates heat.
If taken in excess, almonds can be harmful during summers as they are known to increase body temperature.
However, soaking them overnight and eating them the following morning can offset their heating properties.
Honey
Honey is usually associated with winters and is considered healthy for the winter months.
It is naturally warm in nature and is known to work wonders when it comes to increasing your body’s temperature, eventually making you feel hot.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are hot in nature and are extremely helpful in keeping the body warm. This is why you see lots of dishes with sesame seeds in winter.
Black pepper
This spice is also responsible for producing heat in the body. It is packed with a compound that turns up the heat of your body when it is digested.
Final thoughts
Every food has a warm or cold effect on the body and affects you in different ways.
In our daily life, we often unknowingly consume several foods that can produce heat in our bodies.
Excessive consumption of these foods may lead to irritation in the stomach.
However, it doesn’t mean you stop eating them; it only means that you do not consume them in huge quantities. Moderation is the key.
Choosing the right foods according to the weather induces physical and mental well-being.
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.
