In the summer, the majority of India is a working oven for most of the day. In order to combat the excruciating heat, people are continuously drinking, washing their faces, and eating cool sweets and snacks. However, one can also take advantage of the summer’s availability of natural foods, such as the readily available mangoes, melons, and berries, as well as other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Supermarket produce sections are brimming with a variety of fresh produce. Additionally, if you choose organic options, you may be fortunate to obtain produce free of additives or pesticides as organic produce is typically seasonal. Therefore, whenever you have a want for anything refreshing, choose a glass of juice rather than an ice pop.
By doing so, you’ll not only be choosing a healthier option but also reducing the number of empty calories you consume each day. These foods are incredibly cooling to eat in the summertime heat and also have the added benefit of being beneficial to your body.
Iced Coffee and Tea
Nothing is more reviving than relaxing by the sea on a bright day while enjoying ice-cold drinks. A straightforward cup of coffee with lots of ice can do wonders for getting your morning going. According to a recent study, drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee every day can cut your risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by 10%.
Since homemade iced tea contains a lot of flavonoids, a group of antioxidants, it can also help lower the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the tea preserves the antioxidants and creates the ideal summer beverage.
Melons
We know for sure that we cannot go without that watermelon sugar high. Dehydration can lead to several additional problems, especially during summer. Watermelons and muskmelons are so high in water content that it helps regulate body temperatures. Staying properly hydrated helps in keeping your memory sharp and having a clear skin.
Melons also help with weight loss when coupled with exercise as the high-water content keeps you satisfied on very few calories.
Mangoes
Mangoes are the ideal summer treat if you don’t believe in keeping track of your caloric intake. Mangoes’ high iron content can help people improve their bodies’ calcium levels. It is a very cooling fruit for the summer and can guard against heat exhaustion.
Additionally, it has a lot of vitamins A and C, which support the immune system. A wonderful summer treat without the worry of extra sugar calories is mango ice cream made with almond milk, which is also completely vegan-friendly.
Salads
Salads offer incalculable health advantages over regular meals. Leafy greens, which include anything from kale and lettuce to sprouts, are high in carotenoids, which the body turns into vitamin A. This assists in shielding the skin from damaging UV rays.
By boosting the skin’s protection against the sun, it also aids in healing dry skin. The wonderful thing about salads is that virtually anything can be added to them, from fruits to fish, and they will still taste great.
Berries
Your body needs flavonoids, which are abundant in berries throughout the summer, to combat a variety of dangerous ailments. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are also known to improve skin texture and appearance by boosting blood flow throughout the body. This process regenerates skin and reduces sensitivity to light. This is particularly important during the stifling heat. Berries also contain a lot of fibre, about 8 grams per cup.
Corn
Nothing compares to the flavor of fresh corn on the cob on a calm summer evening. This convenient snack is not only tasty but also high in starch. It helps the body get lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes, and the antioxidants assist to reduce the risk of getting age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in older people.
Freshly squeezed Juice
A well-rounded summer breakfast should include freshly squeezed juice. The majority of summertime fruits are excellent for making juice. Nothing is more tropical than a chilly glass of freshly squeezed juice, whether it’s the citrus flavor of oranges and sweet limes or the syrupy flavor of watermelons.
Chaas
Chaas is a traditional Indian drink made by mixing yogurt, water, and spices like cumin, coriander, and salt. It’s a cool and refreshing drink that’s great for hot summer days, and it’s also a good source of probiotics, which can help your digestive system.
Chaas is low in calories and high in protein, and you can change the flavor by adding different spices and herbs. You can eat it by itself or use it as a base for marinades, dips, and other summer recipes.
Fruit salad
This healthy salad is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy and give you energy. Fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple, and berries, which are all in season in the summer, can be used to make fruit salad.
For more flavor, you can also add fresh herbs like mint or basil or a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Fruit salad is low in calories and a great choice for people who are watching their weight. It’s also a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without eating too much sugar.
To sum up
Follow these tips, but don’t forget to cover your face and head before going out in the sun, stay hydrated, take cold showers, and put sandalwood paste on your scalp. All of these things will help you cool down. A person with heat stroke needs to see a doctor right away. The tips above are meant to help avoid heat stroke. If you think you might have a heat stroke, see a doctor right away. Keep yourself safe in the summer and from COVID-19.