Top 12 Summer Foods to Keep Your Body Cool

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to embrace foods that help beat the heat and keep us refreshed. The scorching temperatures increase our need for hydrating and cooling foods that not only quench our thirst but also nourish our bodies.
As summer starts, adapting our diet to suit the changing weather becomes essential. During summer, our bodies work harder to regulate temperature, making it crucial to consume foods that are light, easy to digest, and rich in water content. The seasonal delights not only help combat dehydration but also provide essential nutrients to keep you energized.
Let’s explore some of the best summer-friendly foods that promote hydration, boost overall well-being, and make the hot months more enjoyable.

12 Summer Foods To Keep Your Body Cool

Nature provides us with a variety of refreshing and nutritious summer food items that keep us refreshed and revitalised. Let’s take a closer look at some of these foods.

1. Cucumber

Cucumbers are the ultimate cool food for the stomach during summer. Composed of about 95% water, they are incredibly hydrating and perfect for snacking on during the hot months. They are low in calories and rich in potassium, helping to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Enjoy cucumbers sliced in salads, blended into smoothies, or even as a cooling cucumber juice with a hint of lemon and ginger.

2. Melons

When it comes to quintessential food in summer, melons such as watermelon and musk melon come to mind. Watermelon is nearly 92% water, making it a hydrating powerhouse providing vitamins A and C. Musk melon is similarly hydrating and packed with essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium. These juicy fruits can be enjoyed as such, in fruit salads or blended into refreshing smoothies.

3. Leafy Greens

Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce are nutritious and have a high water content that helps keep you hydrated. These greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, making them an ideal choice for salads or smoothies. Adding leafy greens to your meals can provide a cooling effect and boost your overall nutrient intake.

4. Buttermilk

A staple in many Indian households, buttermilk is a traditional summer drink that helps cool the body and aids digestion. Made by churning curd with water, it can be flavoured with spices like roasted cumin, fresh coriander, and ginger. This refreshing drink is hydrating and packed with probiotics that support gut health.

5. Mango

Mangoes, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’, are a favourite food eaten in the summer. They are delicious, help cool the body and aid digestion. Enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or as a tangy Aam Panna (a traditional Indian drink).

6. Lemon

Lemon is a fantastic source of vitamin C and has natural cooling properties. The citric acid in lemon helps to balance the body’s pH levels and aid digestion. Squeeze lemon juice into a refreshing lemonade, add it to salads, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for a zesty kick.

7. Curd and Yoghurt

Curd and yoghurt are excellent sources of calcium and probiotics, making them among the best foods to eat in summer. They help cool the body and promote healthy digestion. You can enjoy them in smoothies, as a side dish, or in traditional dishes like Shrikhand, where they are sweetened and flavoured with fruits.

8. Fish

Fish is a light protein option that generates less internal heat compared to red meats, making it an ideal food to eat in summer. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish can be a great addition to your summer diet. Grilled or baked fish is delicious and keeps you feeling light and energised.

9. Avocado

Avocado is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that help remove heat and toxins from the body. It is easy to digest, meaning your body won’t have to work hard to process them, keeping you cool. Enjoy avocado in salads, smoothies, or as a creamy spread on toast for an indulgent summer treat.

10. Mint

Mint is a natural coolant that adds a refreshing flavour to any dish. This versatile herb can be used in beverages, salads, or as a garnish for various dishes. Mint-infused tea is particularly soothing and can help regulate body temperature during the hot season.

11. Chamomile

Chamomile is well-known for its calming properties and can be enjoyed as a soothing tea. It helps ease anxiety and promotes relaxation, making it a great choice for hot summer evenings. Additionally, chamomile has antioxidant properties that can benefit skin health, adding to its appeal as an ideal summer beverage.

12. Coconut water

Coconut water is packed with electrolytes that aid in hydration and keeping you cool. This refreshing drink, loaded with essential nutrients, helps you stay energised and hydrated during hot summer days while supporting digestion.

Incorporating these summer foods into your diet will help you stay cool, hydrated, and energised throughout the hot months. Enjoy these refreshing and health-supportive options to their fullest to make your summer enjoyable and comfortable.

3 Mango Recipes to Beat the Summer Heat

1. Refreshing Mango Lassi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe mango chunks
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4–5 ice cubes
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
• Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

How to Make:

In a blender, combine the ripe mango chunks, plain yoghurt, milk, sugar, and ice cubes. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. For extra flavour, add a pinch of cardamom powder and blend again. Pour the mango lassi into glasses and garnish with chopped pistachios if desired. Serve chilled for a refreshing summer delight.

2. Cooling Mango Iced Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe mango chunks
• 2 cups brewed green or black tea (cooled)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedge or mint leaves for garnish

How to Make:

Start by brewing a pot of green or black tea and let it cool completely. Meanwhile, blend the ripe mango chunks with sugar to create a smooth purée. Fill glasses with the mango purée, then pour the chilled tea over it. Stir well to combine the flavours. Add ice cubes and garnish with a lemon wedge or mint leaves. Serve chilled for a refreshing summer beverage.

3. Chilled Mango Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ripe mango purée
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices for garnish

How to Make:

Prepare a simple syrup by boiling ¼ cup water with sugar until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. In a large pitcher, mix the simple syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice, mango purée, and cold water. Stir everything well to combine. Pour the lemonade into glasses over ice and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately for a refreshing summer treat.

For the best results, always use ripe, sweet mangoes to enhance the natural flavour of these cooling summer drinks. Adjust sweetness to your preference and serve well-chilled!

As we joyfully welcome the warmth of the summer season, we must indulge in summer food items that delight our palate and serve as cool foods for the stomach. The abundance of hydrating fruits such as watermelon and cucumber, nutrient-dense leafy greens, and soothing drinks like buttermilk and mint-infused beverages offer various options.

Making a deliberate choice to choose light, cooling meals and snacks provides comfort amidst the blazing temperatures and significantly contributes to your overall health and well-being. Opt for foods that help cool your body, hydrate you adequately, and provide essential nutrients. So dive into the season with a mindful plate of wholesome, nourishing summer foods!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35015278
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5889929