Foods that Cool the Body: Top 20 Options for a Refreshing Summer
As the summer heat wave approaches, it’s essential to stay cool and hydrated. One of the best ways to do this is by incorporating foods that have a functional cooling effect on the body. In this article, we will explore the top 20 foods that can help you beat the summer heat with a purpose.
First, let’s define what we mean by “functional” foods. Functional foods are foods that have a health-promoting or disease-preventing property beyond their basic nutritional value. In the context of this article, functional foods are those that have a cooling effect on the body, helping to regulate body temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 20 functional foods to beat the summer heat:
- Watermelon: Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit, with a high water content of 92%. It also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from sun damage.
- Cucumber: Cucumbers are 96% water and contain electrolytes that can help replenish the body’s fluids. They also have a cooling effect on the skin, making them an ideal summer snack.
- Mint: Mint has a cooling and soothing effect on the body, making it an excellent addition to summer drinks and dishes. It can also aid in digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
- Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. It also has a cooling effect on the mouth and throat.
- Lemon: Lemons are high in vitamin C and can help alkalize the body, reducing acidity and inflammation. They also have a refreshing and invigorating effect, making them an excellent addition to summer drinks.
- Grapes: Grapes are high in antioxidants and have a cooling effect on the body. They can also help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
- Celery: Celery is 95% water and contains electrolytes that can help replenish the body’s fluids. It also has a diuretic effect, helping to flush out toxins and reduce bloating.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from sun damage. They also have a cooling effect on the body and can aid in digestion.
- Peaches: Peaches are hydrating and have a cooling effect on the body. They also contain vitamin C and potassium, making them an excellent addition to summer salads and smoothies.
- Apricots: Apricots are high in vitamin A and can help protect the skin from sun damage. They also have a cooling effect on the body and can aid in digestion.
- Plums: Plums are hydrating and have a cooling effect on the body. They also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
- Strawberries: Strawberries are high in vitamin C and can help alkalize the body, reducing acidity and inflammation. They also have a refreshing and invigorating effect, making them an excellent addition to summer drinks and desserts.
- Coconut water: Coconut water is high in electrolytes and can help replenish the body’s fluids. It also has a cooling effect on the body and can aid in digestion.
- Green tea: Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that can help protect the skin from sun damage. It also has a cooling effect on the body and can aid in digestion.
- Melon: Melon is high in water content and contains electrolytes that can help replenish the body’s fluids. It also has a cooling effect on the body and can aid in digestion.
- Papaya: Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the body. It also has a cooling effect on the mouth and throat.
- Orange: Oranges are high in vitamin C and can help alkalize the body, reducing acidity and inflammation. They also have a refreshing and invigorating effect, making them an excellent addition to summer drinks.
- Kiwi: Kiwis are high in vitamin C and can help alkalize the body, reducing acidity and inflammation. They also have a refreshing and invigorating effect, making them an excellent addition to summer salads and smoothies.
- Pomegranate: Pomegranates are high in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. They also have a cooling effect on the body.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics that can help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. It also has a cooling effect on the body and can be an excellent addition to summer smoothies and desserts.
As you can see, there are many functional foods that can help you beat the summer heat. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help regulate body temperature, prevent heat-related illnesses, and improve overall health and well-being.
Here are some tips to help you incorporate these functional foods into your diet:
- Add cucumber, mint, and lemon to your water for a refreshing and invigorating drink.
- Make a watermelon, strawberry, and mint smoothie for a hydrating and cooling breakfast.
- Add grapes, celery, and tomatoes to your salad for a hydrating and nutritious lunch.
- Snack on peaches, plums, and apricots for a refreshing and cooling snack.
- Sip on green tea or coconut water throughout the day to stay hydrated and cool.
As the summer heat wave approaches, remember to stay cool and hydrated. By incorporating these functional foods into your diet, you can beat the heat and improve your overall health and well-being.
“The greatest wealth is health.” – Virgil
To give you a quick overview, here’s a table summarizing these top cooling foods:
