Temperatures hit a record 49.2 degrees Celsius in parts of the capital New Delhi during a severe heatwave that swept across northern India last year. As a result, authorities have even issued a health advisory, especially for the most vulnerable like young children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Now that summer is back, the heat can be exhausting and dehydrating for your body. This means it’s time to look for foods to reduce body heat in order to stay calm and cool.
Keeping your body cool from the inside and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated are the best ways to beat the heat! Health Shots spoke to Anjana B Nair, Consultant Dietitian, Maternity Hospitals, HRBR Layout Bengaluru, to find out about healthy summer foods to reduce body heat levels.
Nair says: “As the temperature reaches unbearable levels, it is essential to take preventive measures to protect yourself from extreme heat and the harmful effects of heat. If you don’t, heat stress or hyperthermia, a condition in which the body’s temperature is abnormally high, can result from dehydration and prolonged exposure to hot weather. Add these foods to your summer diet to help you cope with the heat.
Foods and drinks to reduce body heat
For tips on how to handle the summer heat, here are 5 cooling foods and drinks.
1. Coconut water
Coconut water, better known as nariyal paani, is the healthiest summer drink. It is an excellent substitute for reviving and refreshing the body. Coconut water can help you beat the summer heat because it contains natural electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that rehydrate the body and protect it against disease. What else? It can also promote better digestion!
2. Buttermilk
Drinking buttermilk helps cool the body, improves metabolism, and relieves intestinal issues that may be triggered due to weather. Buttermilk is a drink rich in probiotics, vitamins and minerals that restore normal body temperature. Plus, it can control your hydration level.
3. Cucumbers
In addition to its high water content, cucumber is also a good source of fibre, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. These nutrients help prevent constipation, flush toxins from the body, and keep you hydrated during the hot summer months. So, to regain your energy whenever you feel tired, enjoy cucumbers.
4. Citrus
Oranges, lemons, and limes are just a few examples of citrus fruits that are a fantastic source of water and vitamin C in hot weather. They can help lower body temperature and restore energy levels. In addition, vitamin C is an excellent nutrient for combating skin problems caused by high temperatures.
5. Watermelon
An ideal summer fruit, watermelon is made up of around 90% water and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B6 and C, potassium and amino acids that can help keep the body cool. Watermelon can also take better care of your joints and naturally hydrate your body.
To take with
During the summer season, the human body needs more water than usual. To maintain a high water intake and normal body temperature, it is necessary to stay hydrated and add foods with high water content to your diet to help you get through the hot summer.
