5 vegetables that will keep you hydrated and healthy in summer
Summer diet: Staying cool and hydrated is essential to maintain good health on summer. Certain vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd, bell peppers, bitter gourd and tomatoes are excellent choices. Read on to know why.
The summer months bring along soaring temperatures that can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. Lack of proper nutrition can exacerbate these issues, making it important to focus on your diet and include certain vegetables to stay cool and healthy. Eating a diet rich in salad vegetables may help protect against diseases. Nutrient-rich vegetables provide hydration, essential vitamins, and minerals to help your body beat the heat. Also, vegetables and fruits provide beneficial compounds like antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and anti-inflammatory agents. These substances further help protect the body in various ways. Here are five must-have vegetables for summer that can keep you cool and healthy (Image: Canva)
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Cucumber: Cucumbers are over 90 percent water, making them an excellent choice for staying hydrated during the hot summer months. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) cucumbers can help regulate body temperature and support hydration. Additionally, cucumbers contain antioxidants and vitamin K, which aid in skin health (Image: Canva)
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Bottle gourd: Also known as lauki, this is a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine during the summer months. Studies reveal that it has a high water content, making it a cooling and hydrating food. Alongside, Lauki is also rich in vitamins C and B, fibre, and minerals, making it beneficial for digestion and good health (Image: Canva)
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Bitter gourd: Yes, the kadva karela, is known for its detoxifying properties and is a staple for summer meals. Research suggests that bitter gourd contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals and support liver health. Therefore, despite its bitter taste, karela is a valuable vegetable to add to your summer diet for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity (Image: Canva)
Bell peppers: Including bell peppers in your summer diet can help you stay healthy and energetic. These peppers are packed with vitamins C and A, which are vital for maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that combat free radicals and reduce inflammation (Image: Canva)
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Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a versatile summer vegetable that can be used in salads, juices, salsas, and several other dishes. This juicy vegetable contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Tomatoes also provide vitamins A and C, supporting skin health and boosting immunity
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
