10 food items to beat the Indian summer:
The summers of India, especially North India, are gruelling. With temperatures reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius, heatstroke and fatigue are quite common. (10 food items to beat the excruciating Indian summer).
Therefore, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated and reduce the chances of heatstroke. You can keep yourself hydrated and keep your body cool by consuming the following foods-
Ginger
Ginger has many great properties, one of them is its ability to cool the body. It increases blood circulation in the body and aids digestion. Even though ginger is a kind of spice, it keeps the body cool by producing sweat and opening the pores of the body. Try drinking ginger lemon tea for great taste and cooling properties.
Papaya
Papaya is a fruit that is rich in water content-It contains more than 80 per cent water. It hydrates the body and contains a lot of nutrients and minerals which are good for body functioning. Papaya improves digestion and improves the quality of the skin. This allows you to tackle heat more efficiently.
Also read: Papaya fruit: Health benefits, uses, Risk and More
Green chilli
It might come as a surprise that something as spicy as green chilli can help cool your body but it is true. Capsaicin, a part of green chilli, stimulates the brain to lower body temperature. When you eat spicy food, your body releases sweat. This can lower the body temperature and make you feel cooler.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is widely consumed in countries that experience extremely high temperatures because of its cooling properties. Yoghurt is a probiotic food that improves digestion and is rich in nutrients and minerals. Consuming yoghurt releases heat from the body and hydrates it. Try consuming greek yoghurt for the most benefits.
Banana
Banana is another fruit that is good to consume in summer. Banana contains more than 75 per cent water and hence, hydrates the body. Banana is also rich in carbohydrates that give instant energy to the body, which can help in battling heat stroke and fatigue. Banana also improves the absorption of water in the body.
Also read: Beetroot Health Benefits, Diabetes, Problems, Uses
Lime water
Lime water is a favourite summer drink of Indians. It hydrates the body and gives the energy that is required to beat the heat. It is rich in vitamin c, which improves digestion and contains antioxidants that enrich the skin cells. Lime water is a good remedy for diarrhoea caused by heatstroke and can also improve immunity. On top of all this, lime water is tasty and refreshing.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a great fruit to eat in the summers. It consists of almost only water, which helps hydrate the body. It contains antioxidants that remove toxins from your body and improves skin and stomach health. Cucumber improves digestion and improves the absorption of water in the body. Cucumber can also help reduce high blood pressure.
Coconut water
Coconut water is another great summer drink that you should consume. Though more famous in Southern India, it has now gained popularity in Northern states as well. It is rich in nutrients and helps in the digestion of food. Keeping your stomach cool as a result. It hydrates the body and improves skin health, both of which are essential to tackling heat stroke.
Also read: Is drinking too much coconut water unhealthy for you? Here’s what experts say – TV Health
Mint
Mint or Pudina contains body cooling properties. It hydrates the body and keeps it healthy. It can improve bowel movements and reduce warm gases from the body. It provides energy which is essential for reducing fatigue caused by heatstroke. Mint is known to reduce body temperature and keep the stomach cool.
Also read: Vegetables Good For Diabetic Patients
Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best fruits to consume during summers due to its high water content, which hydrates the body. It has a water content of more than 90 per cent. Watermelon refreshes the body and lowers body temperature during the summers. It is rich in antioxidants that rid the body of toxins, leading to better skin health. It improves digestion and cleanses the body.