Summer Heat Drying You Up? Consume These Hydrating Foods While Waiting For the Rains

These Hydrating Foods Will Help Beat Summer Heat

Ms Mugdha Pradhan observes that during summer, when the temperature outside is going north, our bodies crave for something to beat the heat. “Thankfully, nature has provided us with a lot of hydrating and cooling foods that help in quenching thirst and keeping our bodies cool. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are designed to nourish, hydrate, and detoxify our system, especially in summer months,” she adds.

She suggests fruits like:

Watermelon

Watermelon contains 90% water and is a delicious way to stay hydrated and keep our body temperature in check.

Muskmelon

The OG summer fruit has gentle sweetness along with essential electrolytes like potassium, which helps in balancing the effects of heat.

Jamun

Jamun is also a summer gem. Its deep purple skin is loaded with antioxidants and supports liver detox as well as blood sugar balance.

As for vegetables, the following are Indian summer staples and “have cooling and cleansing functions,” says Pradhan:

Cucumber

It is the most common cooling vegetable and eaten in its raw form. Just slice, sprinkle some pink salt, and people enjoy it as a refreshing snack.

Don't Miss:Green Thumb Guide: The Best Vegetables For Your Summer Home Garden

Ash gourd and Lauki (Bottle Gourd)

These popular vegetables, known for their natural diuretic properties, are used in juices and sabzis. Both of them help in flushing out toxins and reducing internal heat.

The other summer veggies include torai (ridge gourd), tinda, and bitter gourd.

Curd: The Maker of Several Classic Summer Recipes

Apart from curries and juices, several other classic summer recipes include kadhi, raita, and chaas, all of which are made with curd.

“But we recommend replacing the curd with live-culture yogurt (if you can tolerate dairy) because it retains essential probiotics that improve gut health and digestion, which is very important during summer and when acidity and bloating are very common,” warns Pradhan.

The One Thing You Should Totally Avoid During Summers

As the temperature climbs, people often consume sugary drinks or processed juices thinking that they are hydrating themselves. “But it is not the real thing. Eventually, those sugary drinks are going to impact your health a lot,” she adds. Terming water as “original hydration hero,” Pradhan says “It is the most essential and powerful way to cool the body, especially when paired with natural minerals. It helps in replenishing lost electrolytes and maintains energy without relying on packaged drinks.”

So, load yourself with the real heroes, packed with vital nutrients, electrolytes, and antioxidants that will eventually regulate your body temperature and support overall well-being.