5 Foods to Help Stay Cool in the Summer

E very one of us has felt the extra heat that comes after eating a hearty meal in a high temperature environment. In fact, the beginning of June calls for foods to help stay cool in the summer months, so that your body can stay at its optimal temperature and perform as well as it should. Only when you feel completely comfortable and cool can you hope that you will feel, and do your best at work, school, and home.

We have made a list of the coolest foods you can consume in the summer without compromising on health. These will not only taste good, they will also be light on the stomach so the excessive heat generated by digestion doesn't set you back.

1. Yogurt

Unlike milk and cheese, yogurt is a lightweight milk-based product that is very easy on the stomach. In fact, it is a great remedy for indigestion and acidity. Yogurt can be consumed in a number of ways, and you can choose which one suits you best.

The number one option is to add some berries, some freshly cut fruit, and make it into an acai bowl. Aesthetically pleasing, healthy, nutritious, and delicious, it has everything one might want from a summer food. It is easily digested and leaves you feeling fresh and hearty, quite unlike a fried meal or one cooked in oil. It is great for a breakfast meal.

You can also freeze yogurt for some extra coolness and make it into a froyo of your choice. Add any fresh fruit and freeze the entire thing for a few hours. This can serve as a midday snack when you need some extra cooling down. It tastes as delicious as ice cream, but better for you in the long run!

2. Watermelon

This beautiful and widely-loved fruit can be a wonderful addition to your summer meals. It is a gift from nature that we find growing freely in the summer months. It is about 90 percent water, which means that eating it will keep you fairly hydrated, an essential task in the heat. Watermelon is chock full of antioxidants; they are good for your body and do a brilliant job of keeping you extra cool.

You could make popsicles out of watermelon wedges, or use your juicer machine to make a smoothie. Whichever way you choose, you cannot ever go wrong with watermelons in the summer.

3. Cucumbers

If you live in an area where cucumbers are widely available, we encourage you to stock up! This crunchy vegetable has a lot of fiber, which is excellent to keep your digestion smooth. It also helps keep diarrhea and constipation away, a common complaint in the summer.

Use cucumbers as snacks in the heat; just cut them up in long strips and sprinkle some salt and black pepper on them. Delicious and healthy, what else do we need from a summer snack!?

4. Mint

Mint leaves have excellent cooling properties, which make them an incredibly welcome addition to lemonades, smoothies, and salads. Not only do they taste delicious, they have many benefits for the digestive and blood circulatory system, while having a refreshing effect on the mind.

You can crush up some mint leaves with watermelons or strawberries to make a cool drink you can slowly sip on. You could also put whole leaves in your Caesar's Salad to make it more holistic and nutritious.

5. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens contain potassium, vitamins, and fiber, all of which are essential for good health. You can add greens like kale and spinach to your daily diet to improve the water content you intake and the fiber levels in your digestive system. They make a welcome addition to pizzas, salads, and even continental main courses. You will notice a vast difference in your energy levels and temperature balance if you start consuming them every day.

Take our advice, you may crave comfort meals like mashed potatoes and mac ‘n’ cheese sometimes, but it is wise to avoid these cravings, especially in the summer months. Keep your diet full of nutritious foods that are known for having a cooling effect on the body. Heavy meals will end up making you feel lethargic, numb, and not able to fulfill your daily tasks the way you want to. We hope you enjoy all the delicious treats!