Best foods to cool the body: Add these 13 superfoods to your diet to keep the temperature down

Best summer foods: Watermelon and musk melons are packed with vitamin B, and essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and fibre (Image: Canva)

As temperatures rise and the summer sun beats down, finding relief becomes a top priority. While staying hydrated with water is crucial, sometimes it's not enough.

Enter body cooling foods – nature's way of keeping you comfortable and healthy during the sweltering summer months.

Signs of internal heat

When your body temperature starts to climb, it can manifest in various signs:

• Body pain and inflammation: Aches and pains become more pronounced.
• Pulsating heartbeat, swelling, and redness: Your body signals distress.
• Acid reflux, stomach bloating, etc.: Digestive issues become more common.
• Irritability, agitation, aggression, anger: Emotions run high as the body struggles.
• Anxiety, impulsiveness, recklessness: Mental states can be affected by heat.

Here's a carefully curated list of 13 body cooling foods that can work wonders for you:

Cucumber: This humble vegetable instantly hydrates and reduces body heat, says nutritionist Rashmi Khullar, who also runs an organic juice brand Nourish Body. You can enjoy cucumber as a salad, with a dip, or as a refreshing juice with ginger and lemon.

Melons: Watermelon and musk melons are juicy and packed with essential nutrients. They hydrate the body and provide Vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, and fibre, says Khullar.

Leafy greens: Spinach, lettuce, Amaranth, Chinese cabbage, and kale are nutrient powerhouses. Add them to smoothies, salads, or enjoy as a side dish for a cooling effect.

Buttermilk: A traditional Indian summer drink that's beneficial for hydration and digestion. You can enhance its flavour with roasted cumin seeds, fresh coriander, and ginger.

Mango: This versatile fruit aids digestion, cools the body, and boosts energy levels. Enjoy it raw, as Aam Panna, in chutneys, or as part of curries.

Lemon: Boosts the immune system with a healthy dose of Vitamin C. Enjoy it as lemonade or add a dash to juices and salads for a refreshing zing.

Curd and Yoghurt: Rich in calcium and gut-friendly bacteria, they are a perfect summer alternative. Mix with mangoes, strawberries, or enjoy as a delicious Shrikhand.

Fish: This is a protein-packed option that generates less internal heat than heavy meats. You can enjoy the benefits of good fatty acids without feeling uncomfortably full.

Avocado: Loaded with mono-saturated fatty acids that help remove heat and toxins, avocados are easily digested, sparing your body from excess heat production.

Coconut: Filled with electrolytes, coconut water keeps you hydrated and cool. Rich in essential nutrients for energy and improved digestive capacity.

Chamomile: It soothes the body, eases insomnia, and calms anxiety. Chamomile is also great for skin health with its antioxidant properties.

Mint: It neutralises heat effects and has a cooling sensation. Mint is perfect in beverages or added to salads for a refreshing twist.

Onions: A natural anti-allergen containing quercetin for a cooling effect, onions help balance the body temperature and fights inflammation.

Tips for incorporating body cooling foods

To ensure you enjoy a variety of cooling foods in your diet, consider these tips:

• Include sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes daily for a balanced diet, says Khullar.
• Opt for raw foods over processed options whenever possible.
• Eat regular, smaller, and lighter meals with an emphasis on fruits and veggies.
• Incorporate non-starchy vegetables into dips, smoothies, and salads.
• Try liquid-based meals like vegetable smoothies and soups for a cooling effect.
• Avoid stimulants such as alcohol and coffee, which can raise body heat.
• Start your day with a bowl of fresh fruits for a nutritious breakfast.
• Make curd a staple in your daily diet for its cooling and probiotic benefits.