Summers sap the energy out of you! The heat becomes unbearable and no
matter how much water you drink you are always thirsty, similarly summers tend
to take away your appetite. A lack of appetite means that you don’t eat as much
food as you regularly would, which means that your body ends up lacking its
regular nutrition quota.
It is vital to maintain your body's
water levels in the heat, not just by drinking fluids, but also choosing foods
that contain a lot of water.Basically a summer diet consists of
food that is high in water content, provides ample nutrition and cools your
body down while keeping you from dehydration.
Since the sultry heat of summer increases with each degree
rise in the mercury, by rooting ourselves to nature's provision of healthful
food choices we can experience the bloom of our health and vitality.
YOUR SUMMER INDULGENCES
When
your body is losing plenty of water already, digestion of heavy foods depletes
the levels of water further. The result is fatigue, poor concentration, light
headedness and decreased metabolism.So opt for foods which are light in
digestion , have higher water content and are low in fat.
1)
Curd - Intestinal infections
such as cholera,
typhoid, amoebiasis find it easy to surface during a warm climate. Eating curd
helps increase the friendly bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria promote
digestion and boost immunity. Curd helps you cool from inside and also it could be consumed in
varying options. From chaas , to lassi to curd rice... just take your pick. Curd contains vitamin B which also helps soothe the ulcers,
allergies and heat boils that tend to appear during summers, from within
2)
Coconut water - Due to sweating,
water and many essential minerals are lost from the body which makes you feel
tired and sluggish. Coconut water is packed with simple sugars, electrolytes,
and minerals that replenish hydration levels. Coconut
Water is rich in natural vitamins (especially the B vitamins), minerals &
trace elements (including zinc, selenium, iodine,
sulfur & manganese). Vitamins are necessary for the enzymatic reactions
your cells need in order to function.
3)
Sugar cane juice –It comes in handy for
those who exercise or work out during summers. Containing only
natural sugars, it not only cools the body but also energises with a high
quantity of carbohydrates .The nutrients found in sugarcane are beneficial for
the functioning of the kidneys, heart and the brain.
4)
Fruits - There are a variety of seasonal fruits that can be consumed which
will cool you from within this summer such as grapes, apples, bananas, pears, pineapple
and melons. Even citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are excellent choices
of fruits for consumption this summer.They not only rehydrate the body but also
provide the essential vitamins and minerals to keep up the energy levels .
5)
Vegetables - Light to digest,
water-based vegetables are recommended for the summer. Stockup on doodhi, turai,parhwal
and pumpkin as they are full of fibre and easy to digest. Other water rich
vegetables that can be included in your diet include cucumber, carrots,
tomatoes, spinach , bell peppers and ice-berg lettuce. These prevent urine from
being acidic in the summer. Eating these foods may assist your body's own ability
to release heat so the hot weather doesn't make you feel overheated or
exhausted. Avoid boiling or steaming them for too long, as this
depletes them of their water and nutrient content. Vegetable juices have
healing and restorative properties and make simple natural ways to enhance
health and vitality.
6) Lemon juice -A lemon and honey drink combination has the power of instantly
replenishing your body's lost water and also work as energizers.Lemon
is rich in vitamin C stimulate the release of
enzymes in the body and help release waste. Drinking lemon water first thing in
the morning will help to balance out the acidity of foods we've consumed as
lemons are alkaline-forming. Lemon juice
helps detoxify your body,rejuvenate your skin and boosts immunity.
7)
Nonveg -Fish meat is preferable to chicken.You
should try and avoid red meat .These fish are not only are cooler on
consumption as compared to the red meat or chicken but also have high amounts
of fatty acids such as Omega -3 and Omega – 6.
8)
Dryfruits and Nuts -While dry fruits such
as figs and raisins can be eaten without worry, cashews and pistachios should
be avoided as they are 'heaty' in nature and difficult to digest.
9) Aam Panna - Boil raw (green) mangoes and extract juice from them and add
salt, water,jeera and jaggery .It is an excellent preventor of heat and heat
stroke.
10) Green tea - If you get burnt, seek relief by sipping on green tea. Green
tea is a potent source of antioxidants that can neutralise cellular damage
caused by the sun's rays.
11) Sabza (tulsi seeds) in your drinks -- this has very cooling effect on the
body. It relieves indigestion,reduces nauseous
feelingand controls vomiting , helps in treatment of sore throat ,cough ,Asthma
and headache.
12) Herbal teas,Kokam
sherbet ,Saunf sherbet are not only
refreshing but also nutritious.
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