Summer provides many opportunities to have fun outdoors and make memories with your loved ones. However, it is crucial to keep your body cool and hydrated to prevent heat stroke or dehydration, which can pose a serious risk to your health.
Fortunately, you can choose from many delicious dishes, snacks, and beverages to hydrate your body and naturally lower your body temperature. Check out the 12 food and drinks that will cool you down during summer.
1. Dark Leafy Greens
Fill your plate with kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens during a hot summer, as dark leafy greens can help you remain cool and healthy during summer. They are not only jam-packed full of fluids, but they feature various essential vitamins and minerals that are often lost through sweat, such as magnesium.
2. Watermelon
Few fruits compare to a delicious watermelon under the summer sun. It not only tastes delicious, but it contains approximately 92% water and many antioxidants, which will allow it to cool your body naturally while hydrating your body – that’s why watermelon water is so popular now. It is a great snack to have to hand when relaxing on the beach, by the pool, or in a green space.
3. Iced Tea
Few drinks will cool you down like a glass of iced tea on a hot summer’s day. The cold beverage will help to lower your body temperature, making you feel cooler when temperatures climb. However, if you want to experience a burst of flavor, you must choose quality iced tea from a reputable brand. Visit coopertea.com to learn about its artisan-inspired teas, such as organic, unsweetened tea, raspberry tea, and tropical mango green tea.
4. Celery
A stick of celery might not be your go-to food during summer, but it should be. It contains 95% water and various nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc. The tasty vegetable will help you avoid dehydration on a hot day while boosting your energy levels. It is also a versatile food, as you can eat celery by itself or incorporate it into various dishes, such as celery soup, a Waldorf slaw, or lentil and chicken soup.
5. Spicy Foods
The last thing you might want to eat on a hot day is a spicy curry, chili, or fiery chicken, but spices will make you feel much cooler. Hot peppers, curry powders, and other spices will induce sweat, which will trigger your body’s cooling mechanism. It is for this reason that many people from hot countries will eat spicy dishes, such as India and Mexico, as it will help them quickly cool down when temperatures climb.
6. Berries
Grab a handful of berries once the sun starts to shine, as its alkaline will generate cold energy in your body, which will help cool you down. Plus, they are full of water, which will release your body’s excess heat while preventing dehydration. Any berries will do, including blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
7. Bread or Pasta
While you likely don’t need an excuse to indulge in carbohydrates, summer provides the best excuse to do so. The likes of bread and pasta will not only fill you up but eating even a small amount of carbs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner will help balance your energy levels, which can prevent heat exhaustion. You could even incorporate some vegetables on this list to create a pasta salad that will hydrate your body and reduce its temperature.
8. Bananas
It might surprise you to learn that bananas are one of the best fruits for cooling your body. As a banana causes tissue shrinkage, it can help your body absorb more water, which will lower your core temperature. Plus, bananas are a great source of energy, so you will feel fitter and healthier after the snack. Add them into a tasty fruit salad with watermelon and berries to feel refreshed, hydrated, and energetic on a warm summer’s day.
9. Mint
For centuries people have been consuming mint to cool down during hot weather. Its cooling properties will naturally soothe the body during extreme heat, which is why you should add it to various dishes and drinks. For example, you can add mint leaves into iced tea, chutney, salads, dips, or even a summer cocktail, such as a mojito.
10. Citrus Fruits
Any fruits with antioxidants are a great choice during summer, as they will have a cooling effect that will stop you from feeling hot and thirsty. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are a great choice, as they are rich in antioxidants. Plus, they are superb sources of vitamin C which can lower your outer and inner body heat.
The great thing about citrus fruits is that they’re so versatile, as you can add slices into a refreshing glass of iced tea, squeeze them over a dish for extra flavor, or incorporate them into a summer dessert.
11. Pineapple
Pineapple not only tastes fruity and refreshing, but it can cool you down during intense heat. As the fruit contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory property, it can counteract the impact of heat and inflammation during summer. Also, it’s a water-rich fruit that will hydrate your body while regulating its temperature. It is one fruit you should add to a summer fruit salad.
12. Yogurt
Yogurt is a popular food in various hot countries due to its cooling effect and high-water content. Also, it helps the body retain water yogurt, which is why you would be wise to add it to curries, desserts, or fresh fruit.
You could even create refreshing, delicious tzatziki from Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon zest, and mint, which will each help combat the sun’s effects. However, incorporate a little garlic and a pinch of salt for flavor.
If you incorporate the above foods into your summer diet, you’ll feel fit, healthy, and cool on the hottest days. However, the foods should never replace replenishing your body with glasses of water throughout the day, as they should only support hydration and cooling.