They way to beat this summer is to have both- a good balance of diet (nutrition) as well as optimum hydration. Preety Tyagi, Lead Health Coach & Celebrity Nutritionist, Founder, MY22BMI, suggests a list of cooling food items that you should make a part of your meals.

The days are getting longer and warmer. As we are stepping into peak summers, many of us do not feel like eating due to the heat. Most love to keep hydrating. Even the ancient Ayurveda text has categorized foods on the basis of their cooling or a heating effect inside our body which in turn has an impact on our metabolism and digestion. So, to beat this heat, here’s a list of cooling food items that you should make a part of your meals.

Coconut water

Loaded with minerals and electrolytes, it helps in replenishing the hydration levels and nutrients loss that occur during sweating. It has a soothing effect on your body and can instantly provide you some energy. This is the most famous cooling food which quenches your thirst as well.

Sabja seeds

Not to be confused with chia seeds, these are also known as basil seeds. They have a naturally cooling effect and also provide a good amount of fibre and minerals to the body. Soak them overnight or for 2-3 hours prior to consumption. Mix them in dahi/ buttermilk or make a healthy & delicious falooda using them!

Watermelon

Full of antioxidants like Vitamin A and C, it contains more than 90% water. It is great at keeping you hydrated along with providing a good amount of vitamins and minerals to beat the summer heat.

Cucumber

Cucumber or kakdi is high on water content and helps in hydration. It has natural cooling properties and adds great nutritional value to your meals too. Have them as snacks or include them in the form of salads in your meals.

Mint leaves

This calming and soothing herb has great antioxidant capacities. It aids relieving sunburn and rashes. It helps in soothing inflammation and temperature rise associated with headaches and migraines. Few crushed leaves added in buttermilk/ lassi or simple water can provide you the vast associated health benefits.

Bottle gourd

Also known as Lauki, is incredibly hydrating and cooling due to its high water content, and hence, is an ideal summer vegetable. Juicing a lauki and drinking it after a long day out in the sun or after a workout, will instantly hydrate your body and replenish the electrolytes that are lost while sweating in the heat. It is a cooling food that is light on the stomach.

Buttermilk

Drinking buttermilk in summers is a great way to provide your body with the required probiotics, minerals, and vitamins that might be lost due to excessive sweating. It is best to have it fresh, right before leaving home to keep your body cool under the harsh sunlight.

Sattu

It is a powder made from a mixture of ground pulses and cereals. A traditional sattu drink is popular in summer for it is a good source of natural fibre, protein and carbohydrates. It is a very popular cooling food used traditionally in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It has a neutral taste, cooling effect and is easy to digest.