Cooling Foods for the Body: Try these 13 superfoods to keep the temperature down

What to eat: By incorporating cooling foods for the body into your diet, you can effectively regulate your body temperature and stay refreshed during the sweltering summer days.

As temperatures rise and the summer sun burns down, finding relief becomes a top priority. Sometimes water is not enough to keep you cool and hydrated.

Enter body cooling foods – nature’s way of keeping you comfortable and healthy during the sweltering summer months.

Signs of Body Heat

Body heat is a general term used when the body becomes overexposed to hot and spicy foods or extreme summers. In Ayurveda this is also called Pitta.

• When your body temperature starts to climb, it can manifest in various signs:
• Body pain and inflammation: Aches and pains become more bothersome.
• Pulsating heartbeat, swelling, and redness: Your body needs attention .
• Acid reflux, stomach bloating, etc.: Digestive issues become more common.
• Irritability, agitation, aggression, anger: Emotions run high as the body struggles.
• Anxiety, impulsiveness, recklessness: Mental states can be affected by heat.

Body Cooling Foods

Here’s a specially curated list of 13 body cooling foods that can work wonders for you:

Cucumber: This wonder food instantly hydrates and reduces body heat due its immense water content. You can enjoy cucumber as a salad, with a dip, or as a refreshing juice with ginger and lemon.

Melons: Watermelon and musk melons are juicy and packed with essential nutrients. They hydrate the body and provide Vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.

Leafy greens: Spinach, lettuce, Amaranth, Chinese cabbage, and kale are nutrient powerhouses. Add them to smoothies, salads, or enjoy as a side dish for a cooling effect.

Buttermilk: A traditional Indian summer drink that’s beneficial for hydration and digestion. You can enhance its flavor with roasted cumin seeds, fresh coriander, and ginger.

Mango: This versatile fruit aids digestion, cools the body, and boosts energy levels. Enjoy it raw, as Aam Panna, in chutneys, or as part of curries.

Lemon: Boosts the immune system with a healthy dose of Vitamin C. Enjoy it as lemonade or add a dash to juices and salads for a refreshing zing.

Curd and Yoghurt: Rich in calcium and gut-friendly bacteria, they are a perfect summer alternative. Mix with mangoes, strawberries, or enjoy as a delicious Shrikhand.

Fish: This is a protein-packed option that generates less internal heat than heavy meats. You can enjoy the benefits of good fatty acids without feeling uncomfortably full.

Avocado: Loaded with mono-saturated fatty acids that help remove heat and toxins, avocados are easily digested, sparing your body from excess heat production.

Coconut: Filled with electrolytes, coconut water keeps you hydrated and cool. Rich in essential nutrients for energy and improved digestive capacity.

Chamomile: It soothes the body, eases insomnia, and calms anxiety. Chamomile is also great for skin health with its antioxidant properties.

Mint: It neutralizes heat effects and has a cooling sensation. Mint is perfect in beverages or added to salads for a refreshing twist.

Onions: A natural anti-allergen containing quercetin for a cooling effect, onions help balance the body temperature and fights inflammation.

Tips for incorporating body cooling foods

To ensure you enjoy a variety of cooling foods in your diet, consider these tips:

• Include sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes daily for a balanced diet.
• Opt for raw foods over processed options whenever possible.
• Eat regular, smaller, and lighter meals with an emphasis on fruits and veggies.
• Include non-starchy vegetables into dips, smoothies, and salads.
• Try liquid-based meals like vegetable smoothies and soups for a cooling effect.
• Avoid stimulants such as alcohol and coffee, which can raise body heat.
• Include a bowl of fresh fruits in the morning for a nutritious breakfast.
• Make curd an essential component of your daily diet for its cooling and probiotic benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a medical advice. Always seek professional healthcare advice before making any dietary changes.