As summer brings scorching heat, staying cool and hydrated becomes a top priority.
Be it air conditioners or cold drinks, there are numerous options to get temporary relief in summer. But, the real secret to beat the heat depends on what you eat everyday. Choosing the right food can help regulate body temperature while keeping you refreshed, and boosting overall health. Following is a list of the best summer superfoods you must include in your diet.
Composed of over 90% water, watermelon is the ultimate cooling fruit that prevents dehydration while keeping your skin glowing in this summer heat. Watermelon also provides essential vitamins like A, C, and antioxidants to fight free radicals generated due to excessive sun exposure. You can consume this superfood as fruit salad, refreshing juice, or just as slices on a hot day.
Another hydration powerhouse, cucumber helps flushing out toxins from the body, that ultimately cools the body. Abundance of fiber also aids digestion, preventing summer bloating. Add cucumber to your salads, raita, or simply enjoy it with a pinch of salt and lemon as a refreshing snack.
Want to stay healthy with natural drinks? Ditch those sugar-laden energy drinks and have faith on coconut water, nature’s own electrolyte booster. Enriched with potassium and other essential minerals, coconut water prevents dehydration and keeps energy levels high. Drinking 1-2 glasses of fresh coconut water regularly can prevent dehydration, the major cause of fatigue in summer. It also cools your body naturally. You can also consume soft, jelly-like flesh or coconut malai, which is rich in essential nutrients and provides instant cooling.
Want instant cooling effect this summer? Consume fresh Mint leaves with your meals and drinks. They promote digestion, fight acidity, and keep other heat-related discomfort at bay. You can prepare a refreshing mint chutney or add it to lemonade, or buttermilk for a burst of freshness.
Well, this is a summer essential. Because of its cooling relief and improving gut health properties, Yogurt is a must for everyone in summer. Enriched with probiotics, yogurt also boost immunity. Enjoy Yogurt in the form of lassi, buttermilk, or smoothies. You can also eat a bowl of curd everyday after meals to stay fresh and energetic.
Believe it or not, those small basil seeds are packed with cooling properties. After soaking in water, basil seeds swell up, consume this form as it is to regulate body heat. It also improves digestion and keep you full for longer. If you don't like it raw, add them in lemon juice, milkshakes, or falooda.
Lemon is a must-have for its hydrating and detoxifying properties. Loaded with vitamin C, lemon boosts immunity and keeps your skin healthy under scorching sunlight. For an instant energy boost, drink a glass of simple nimbu pani (lemon water) with honey or rock salt.
 with honey or rock salt.webp)
When consumed in moderation, mango can actually do wonders. Try consuming aam panna, a traditional Indian summer drink, to stay energized and cool. As per some research, raw mango prevents heat stroke.
Bottle gourd or lauki is an underrated vegetable, which is easy to digest whole providing cooling effects. Enjoy bottle gourd as juice, sabzi, or even in a light soup.
Eating light and sufficient hydration are the keys to stay cool and healthy during the scorching summer. So, pile up on these cooling delights and enjoy a summer of wellness!
