The Right Foods to Beat Summer Heat 06.06.2016

Summer is here! It’s the time of the year to protect yourself with lots of sunscreen, big hats, air conditioning, and sunglasses. And most importantly it’s the time of the year to keep yourself hydrated and cool. But gallons of water and chilled drinks are not all that hydrate you, around 20% of your hydration comes from eating the right foods.

So as summer days get longer and warmer, hit the aisles filled with abundant and colourful arrays of fresh and seasonal foods. Below are some seasonal summer fruits and vegetables to add to your grocery list that are simply superb in lowering your body temperature to stay cool and refreshed, despite the soaring temperatures.

Watermelon

Watermelon, as the name suggests, is a hydration powerhouse. It is loaded with water to keep you hydrated and to replenish the lost fluids in the body during summer. It also packs in electrolytes, sodium, potassium and Vitamin B making it easier for your body to fight off the heat and produce energy. Watermelon also contains lycopene which protects skin cells from sun damage. Munch on a few slices of watermelon after lunch or dinner every day and you are armed to fight the blistering heat.

Cucumber

With its high water content and delectable crunch, cucumber is one the best cooling agents for summer. Cucumbers are immune boosting, amazingly alkaline foods that also help remove the toxic waste and uric acid from the body. The best part though is that cucumbers are highly versatile, so you have a hundred delicious ways to include cucumbers as part of your diet.

Oranges

Oranges are rich in potassium, an ingredient that is essential to beat the summer heat. The body loses potassium through sweat, and oranges are the best source to replenish the supply. Oranges are also about 80% water, so a few delicious slices will keep you hydrated too.

Yoghurt

Protein packed and probiotic, yoghurt is ideal for the summer. Yoghurt is extremely beneficial for the digestive system keeping it in check for the summer. It is also rich in vitamin B which helps to soothe allergies and ulcers that are common during the hot season. Flavoured yoghurt, frozen yoghurt, greek yoghurt, yoghurt dip, take your pick to keep your insides cool and healthy!

Strawberries and blueberries

Delicious, juicy berries are filled with flavonoids which not only fight innumerable diseases but also increase blood flow to the skin decreasing its sensitivity to light. Eat a handful of berries every day to look your best and at the same time protect your skin from further damage.

Mint

Mint has been historically used as a home remedy to provide an instant cooling effect, whether as a topical applicant on skin or as a medicine for the digestive system by consumption. Grow fresh mint in your kitchen garden and use it to refresh any drink or snack!

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are easy to digest and have water content. In addition to a whole host other nutritional benefits that greens provide the body with, they make it easier for your body to produce energy and keep cool.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a powerhouse of vitamin C and K, two very essential ingredients to fight the summer heat. They also have 94% water content making it a delicious way to replenish water in your body.