Summer heat can be intense and there is no way around it, but there are more comfortable ways through it. Wearing white or light-colored breathable fabrics, staying indoors during peek sunlight, and drinking lots of water are just a few tactics that help defeat the heat. But what do you put on your plate to help stay cool? Here are a few key foods to further the cause.
Watermelon. This long-time summer favorite has zero fat, contains lots of lycopene, vitamins A and C, and is made-up of 90% water.
Cantaloupe. Low in fat and high in potassium, melons are ideal in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disorders.
Honeydew. Low in calories and carbohydrates, melons are also helpful with weight loss and ridding our bodies of unwanted toxins.
Grapefruit & Oranges. Delicious to taste, citrus fruits are super foods that are high in vitamin C which promote healthy skin and a youthful appearance.
Lemons & Limes. Rich in phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, citrus fruits are also important to digestion as they assist in the breakdown of other rich fatty foods.
Cucumber. Cool and crunchy, cucumbers contain significant levels of vitamin B, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and other minerals, making it perfect for summer.
Radishes. Often overlooked, their beautiful reddish-purple exterior house high levels of vitamin C, high water content, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Leafy Greens. Butter lettuce, spinach and arugula to name a few, contain significant amounts of water and can thin the blood to assist your body in releasing heat.
Herbs & Spices. Fresh ginger, pepper and mint leaves may initially feel or taste warm but actually help cool you down. No wonder spicy foods are so common in hotter regions of the world.
In addition to fruits and veggies with high water content, what you drink matters also. Many symptoms of excess heat including dizziness, fatigue, and lack of concentration, are attributable to chronic dehydration. Sodas, sports beverages and energy drinks – all high in sugar, caffeine and sodium – actually make dehydration worse. Extremely cold foods and drinks, like ice cream and ice coffees, can interfere with digestion and sweating, the body’s natural cooling mechanism. Keeping fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water is paramount.
Stay cool and see you soon!
Watermelon. This long-time summer favorite has zero fat, contains lots of lycopene, vitamins A and C, and is made-up of 90% water.
Cantaloupe. Low in fat and high in potassium, melons are ideal in managing hypertension and cardiovascular disorders.
Honeydew. Low in calories and carbohydrates, melons are also helpful with weight loss and ridding our bodies of unwanted toxins.
Grapefruit & Oranges. Delicious to taste, citrus fruits are super foods that are high in vitamin C which promote healthy skin and a youthful appearance.
Lemons & Limes. Rich in phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, citrus fruits are also important to digestion as they assist in the breakdown of other rich fatty foods.
Cucumber. Cool and crunchy, cucumbers contain significant levels of vitamin B, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and other minerals, making it perfect for summer.
Radishes. Often overlooked, their beautiful reddish-purple exterior house high levels of vitamin C, high water content, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Leafy Greens. Butter lettuce, spinach and arugula to name a few, contain significant amounts of water and can thin the blood to assist your body in releasing heat.
Herbs & Spices. Fresh ginger, pepper and mint leaves may initially feel or taste warm but actually help cool you down. No wonder spicy foods are so common in hotter regions of the world.
In addition to fruits and veggies with high water content, what you drink matters also. Many symptoms of excess heat including dizziness, fatigue, and lack of concentration, are attributable to chronic dehydration. Sodas, sports beverages and energy drinks – all high in sugar, caffeine and sodium – actually make dehydration worse. Extremely cold foods and drinks, like ice cream and ice coffees, can interfere with digestion and sweating, the body’s natural cooling mechanism. Keeping fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water is paramount.
Stay cool and see you soon!
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