Indulge in summer foods with the arrival of summertime. The scorching heat has a way of quickening our quest for cool food for our stomachs, which not only quenches our thirst but also soothes our souls. From icy popsicles to chilled soups, we’re going to dive into a world of foods that keep our bodies cool.
So, grab a glass of iced tea, find a shady spot, and join us on our journey through some of the best foods to eat in summer. Let’s begin with understanding why it is crucial to adapt our diet to suit the changing weather conditions.
During summer, our bodies work extra hard to maintain normal body temperature amidst the external heat. This is why food eaten in the summer season should ideally be light on digestion and high in water content. And what’s more – besides offering respite from the heat, these foods can also fuel your body with essential nutrients.
12 Summer Foods To Keep Your Body Cool
Nature provides us with a variety of refreshing and nutritious summer food items that keep us feeling refreshed and revitalised. Let’s take a closer look at some of these foods.
1. Cucumber
Cucumbers are the ultimate cool food for the stomach during summer. Composed of about 95% water, they are incredibly hydrating and perfect for snacking on during the hot months. They are low in calories and rich in potassium, helping to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Enjoy cucumbers sliced in salads, blended into smoothies, or even as a cooling cucumber juice with a hint of lemon and ginger.
2. Melons
When it comes to quintessential food to eat in summer, melons such as watermelon and musk melon come to mind. Watermelon is nearly 92% water, making it a hydrating powerhouse that also provides vitamins A and C. Musk melon is similarly hydrating and packed with essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium. These juicy fruits can be enjoyed on their own, in fruit salads, or blended into refreshing smoothies.
3. Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce are not only nutritious but also have a high water content that helps keep you hydrated. These greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them an ideal choice for salads or smoothies. Adding leafy greens to your meals can provide a cooling effect and boost your overall nutrient intake.
4. Buttermilk
A staple in many Indian households, buttermilk is a traditional summer drink that helps cool the body and aids digestion. Made by churning curd with water, it can be flavoured with spices like roasted cumin, fresh coriander, and ginger. This refreshing drink is not only hydrating but also packed with probiotics that support gut health.
5. Mango
Mangoes, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits,’ are a favourite food eaten in the summer season. They are not only delicious but also help cool the body and aid digestion. Enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or as a tangy Aam Panna (a traditional Indian drink).
6. Lemon
Lemons are a fantastic source of vitamin C and have natural cooling properties. The citric acid in lemons helps to balance the body’s pH levels and can aid in digestion. Squeeze lemon juice into a refreshing lemonade, add it to salads, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a zesty kick.
7. Curd and Yoghurt
Curd and yoghurt are excellent sources of calcium and probiotics, making them among the best foods to eat in summer. They help cool the body and promote healthy digestion. You can enjoy them in smoothies, as a side dish, or in traditional dishes like Shrikhand, where they are sweetened and flavoured with fruits.
8. Fish
Fish is a light protein option that generates less internal heat compared to red meats, making it an ideal food to eat in summer. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish can be a great addition to your summer diet. Grilled or baked fish is not only delicious but also keeps you feeling light and energised.
9. Avocado
Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that help remove heat and toxins from the body. They are easy to digest, meaning your body won’t have to work hard to process them, keeping you cool. Enjoy avocados in salads, smoothies, or as a creamy spread on toast for an indulgent summer treat.
10. Mint
Mint is a natural coolant that adds a refreshing flavour to any dish. This versatile herb can be used in beverages, salads, or as a garnish for various dishes. Mint-infused tea is particularly soothing and can help regulate body temperature during the hot season.
11. Chamomile
Chamomile is well-known for its calming properties and can be enjoyed as a soothing tea. It helps ease anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it a great choice for hot summer evenings. Additionally, chamomile has antioxidant properties that can benefit skin health, adding to its appeal as an ideal summer beverage.
12. Coconut water
Coconut water is packed with electrolytes that aid in hydration and keeping you cool. This refreshing drink, loaded with essential nutrients, helps you stay energized and hydrated during hot summer days while also supporting digestion.
Incorporating these summer foods into your diet will help you stay cool, hydrated, and energised throughout the hot months. Enjoy these refreshing and health-supportive options to their fullest to make your summer enjoyable and comfortable.
3 Mango Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat
- Refreshing Mango Lassi: Summer has arrived, and with it, the need for cool food for the stomach. One of the best food items to eat in summer is a refreshing mango lassi. To prepare this quintessential summer drink, blend ripe mango chunks, plain yoghurt, milk, sugar, and ice cubes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you want to add an extra layer of flavour, sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder or garnish with some chopped pistachios.
- Cooling Mango Iced Tea: Another delightful food eaten in the summer season is Mango Iced Tea. Start by brewing a strong pot of green or black tea and let it cool completely. In the meantime, purée ripe mango chunks with a bit of sugar in a blender. Fill glasses with the mango purée, then pour the chilled tea over it and stir to combine. You can also garnish your iced tea with a lemon wedge or mint leaves for that extra touch.
- Chilled Mango Lemonade: To prepare mango lemonade, start by making a simple syrup by boiling water with sugar until dissolved and then let it cool. In a pitcher, combine this simple syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice, mango purée, and cold water. Stir everything well and serve over ice while garnishing with lemon slices.Always remember that the key to these refreshing mango drinks is to use very ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavour. Adjust sweetness as per your taste and always serve these drinks chilled for a refreshing summer treat!
As we joyfully welcome the warmth of the summer season, it’s essential that we indulge in summer food items that not only delight our palate but also serve as cool foods for the stomach. The abundance of hydrating fruits such as watermelon and cucumber, nutrient-dense leafy greens, and soothing drinks like buttermilk and mint-infused beverages offer a variety of options to choose from.
Making a deliberate choice to opt for light, cooling meals and snacks not only provides comfort amidst the blazing temperatures but also significantly contributes to your overall health and well-being. Opt for foods that help cool your body, hydrate you adequately, and provide you with essential nutrients. So dive into the season with a mindful plate of wholesome, nourishing summer foods!
FAQs
Cucumbers, watermelons, and yoghurt are good for cooling the body as they are high in water content.
Watermelon is a fruit that helps to reduce body heat, making it an ideal food to eat in the summer.
Foods like cucumber, yoghurt, mint, and coconut water are beneficial for someone who is feeling hot.
Eating summer food like fruits and vegetables with high water content like cucumber and watermelon can help reduce body heat.
References