10 best cooling foods for summer in india Dr_name Dr M N Lakshmikanth Reddy Dr_profile_link https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/doctors/dr-m-n-lakshmikanth-reddy

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3.5 minute

12-07-2024 Team Medicover wellness

Best Body Cooling Foods For Summer in India

Indian summers are quite harsh, with extreme heat and humidity that can leave you feeling tired, dehydrated, and low on energy. In such weather, the body needs something that gives strength and also cools you from the inside.

That's why it's important to choose the best summer foods that hydrate, aid digestion, and help regulate body temperature. Below is a list of the best foods for summer heat that can help you stay cool and healthy throughout the season.

Top 10 Summer Foods In India

Here are the body cooling fruits and vegetables summer foods list for cooling for body heat:

1. Coconut

Coconut water is one of the most refreshing and natural body cooling foods. Coconut is rich in important vitamins and minerals, which help in cooling the body and preventing dehydration. It is affordable, widely available, and can be consumed daily to keep your body cool and energized.

2. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, pineapples and muskmelons are packed with water content and Vitamin C. They are great for detoxifying the body and satisfying thirst. These fruits are considered some of the best summer foods due to their refreshing properties and high nutrient value.

3. Cucumber

Cucumber is an excellent hydrating vegetable. With its high water and fibre content, it helps with digestion and keeps your stomach feeling light. Add it to salads or enjoy it raw. It's a must-have on your list of body-cooling foods.

4. Watermelon

Watermelon is a classic summer fruit containing over 90% water. It keeps the body hydrated and helps regulate temperature. Its natural sweetness and antioxidant content make it one of the best foods to eat in summer.

5. Onions

You might be surprised, but onions have natural cooling properties. Red onions, in particular, contain quercetin, a natural anti-allergen. Include onions in salads, curries or raitas to help protect your body from sunstroke and maintain internal coolness.

6. Curd

Curd is not only a digestive aid but also a natural coolant. You can enjoy it as lassi, buttermilk or in the form of raita. Curd-based dishes are among the best foods for summer heat as they keep your body cool while supporting gut health.

7. Bananas

Bananas are high in fiber and promote smooth digestion. Eating overripe bananas can help prevent acidity, a common problem during hot months. They are also hydrating and ideal as a mid-day summer snack.

8. Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy greens like spinach and amaranth are rich in water, fibre and essential nutrients. They strengthen immunity and cool the body when cooked lightly. Avoid overcooking to retain their water content and nutritional value.

9. Mint

Mint or pudina is widely used in summer drinks and chutneys. It provides instant freshness and coolness. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, and iron, mint is one of the most versatile and effective body-cooling foods.

10. Fish

Fish is a lighter and healthier alternative to red meat and is easier to digest during the summer. Freshwater fish are ideal as they contain less sodium and do not dehydrate the body. When prepared with less spice, fish can be one of the best foods to eat in summer for those looking for lean protein.

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Foods that Increase Body Heat and Discomfort

During the hot summer months, the food we eat plays a big role in how our body feels. While some foods help us stay cool and refreshed, others can actually raise our internal body temperature, causing discomfort, dehydration or even digestive troubles.

Here are some common foods that raise body heat:

Spicy foods: Ingredients like chili peppers and hot sauces contain capsaicin, which can stimulate heat receptors and increase internal body temperature.
Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea and energy drinks, caffeine can raise your heart rate and metabolism, leading to increased heat production.
Red meat: Harder to digest, red meats generate more heat during metabolism, which can lead to discomfort in hot climates.
Fried and oily foods: These are heavy on the digestive system and increase metabolic heat, which can cause bloating and sluggishness.
Nuts and seeds: While healthy, some nuts like almonds, peanuts and sesame seeds are considered heat-inducing in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
Alcohol: It dilates blood vessels and can give a sensation of warmth, but it also dehydrates and raises core body temperature.
Onions and garlic: These sulfur-rich foods can trigger a warming effect in the body, especially when consumed raw or in excess.
Processed and packaged foods: Often high in additives, sugar and sodium, these can lead to inflammation and heat buildup over time.

To counteract excess heat, stay hydrated and include cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, yoghurt, mint and coconut water in your diet.

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Why You Should Prioritize Body Cooling Foods in Summer

Summer brings heat, humidity and the risk of dehydration. That's why it's important to make smart food choices that help your body stay cool and balanced. Including body-cooling foods in your daily meals can make a big difference in how you feel during the hot months.

Foods like watermelon, cucumber, mint, curd and coconut water have high water content and natural cooling properties. They not only help lower your body temperature but also keep you hydrated and refreshed. These foods are also gentle on the stomach, supporting digestion and preventing issues like acidity or bloating that are common in summer.

Eating light, cooling meals can improve your energy levels and mood, while also helping your skin stay clear and healthy. On the other hand, heavy, fried and spicy foods generate internal heat and can lead to discomfort, fatigue and dehydration.

Choosing the right foods in summer is more than just about taste. So, if you want to beat the heat naturally, focus on adding more cooling foods to your plate. It's a simple, effective way to stay healthy and feel your best all season long.

Conclusion

Beating the heat in Indian summers is not just about staying indoors or using fans. It starts with what's on your plate. Including some best body-cooling foods like coconut water, citrus fruits, curd and cucumbers in your diet can help you stay hydrated for a long time, energised and healthy.

By choosing the best foods for summer heat, you can protect yourself from dehydration, reduce internal heat and enjoy a more comfortable summer. Pair these foods with plenty of water, light clothing and sun protection and you are all set to beat the heat the natural way.

Frequently Asked Questions

These foods are rich in water, vitamins and minerals that keep you hydrated, reduce inflammation, and regulate your body temperature, lowering the risk of heatstroke and fatigue.

Raw fruits and vegetables often retain more water and nutrients, making them ideal for summer. However, light cooking or steaming is also acceptable, especially for individuals with sensitive digestion.

Yes, many cooling foods like cucumbers and citrus fruits, have antioxidant and hydration properties that can help prevent acne, sunburn and dry skin during the summer.

Fruits like mangoes, lychees and jackfruit are considered heat-inducing when eaten in excess and should be balanced with cooling foods.

Yes, by lowering internal body temperature, these foods can help reduce the body's need to cool itself through sweating.

Body heat rises due to factors like hot weather, dehydration, spicy foods, or excessive physical activity. Stress and certain medical conditions can also contribute. The body produces heat naturally, but imbalance causes discomfort.

Yes, persistent excess body heat can cause dehydration, fatigue, skin rashes, or digestive issues. If left unmanaged, it may affect overall health. In severe cases, it could indicate an underlying medical problem.

Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or buttermilk to cool the body. Rest in a shaded or air-cooled place and wear light, breathable clothing. Eating cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, and mint can also help.

If body heat is accompanied by dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting, consult a doctor immediately. Persistent high body heat may signal heatstroke or another illness. Medical care ensures timely treatment and safety.

Aloe vera juice has natural cooling and hydrating properties that help reduce body heat. It soothes the stomach, supports digestion, and prevents dehydration. Drinking it in summer can make you feel refreshed and energized.