After the end of cool winter season, here comes summer. Mercury levels are rising every day and it is draining our body. The sun is right above our head and the problem of dehydration is commonly seen. Because of this we need to keep our body cool by drinking juices, fruits and other liquids. It is essential to have a balanced diet which includes cool food items. During summer, we should avoid oily and junk food items like pizzas and burger. Although, it is difficult to resist these junk food items, we should focus on including healthy and tasty food in our diet. Light foods should be preferred as they get digested easily. Following are some food items which you should include in your diet this summer:
Amla
The strong sun rays cause ageing effect. This sour-bitter fruit is a great refresher and it also reverses the ageing effect as it has antioxidant properties. This property of amla benefits heart, lungs, brain, skin and hair. Amla has 20 times more vitamin C than orange juice.
Apricots
Acne is a common problem in summer faced by many. Apricot can be of great use for people with acne as it provides the body with vitamin C, Iron, potassium and fibre. They can be also had prior and after workout.
Mango
This is our favourite during summer season and we like to feast on mangoes. Unripe mango also known as kaccha kairi is good to have as it can protect from heat stroke. Aam panna is a drink which is made in India during summer.
Corn
Corn in any form, be it roasted or boiled is a very healthy thing to eat as it lowers cholesterol levels. It provides vitamin B which helps lower stress levels. The antioxidants in corn act like natural sunglasses, which filters out some of the sun’s damaging rays. The same property helps in lowering the risk of developing age related macular degeneration.
Cucumber
This vegetable contains lots of fibre which helps to avoid problem of constipation. It helps the body to stay cool.
Mint leaves
This is an easily available herb which is not expensive. You can have it as in the form of pudina raita or chutney. It has a refreshing taste which is suitable for summer.
Onion
It has cooling properties. You can have it in the form of chutney, raitas, salads, dips, curries to keep yourself cool. The red onions have an anti-allergen property also. Having onion can help you prevent sun stroke also.
Nimbu pani
This is very easily made refreshing juice. This juice helps to beat the heat. You can have it sweet, salted or with black salt and cumin powder to it.
Kokum
Kokum is found only in India. We should make best use of it. Kokum prevents dehydration, loss of nutrients and also improves appetite. So having a glass of kokum juice (kokum sharbat) will be beneficial.
Yoghurt
In India curd is a very famous food item during summer. It is a delicious coolant. You can have curd in the form of raitas, buttermilk (chaas), shrikand or lassi. Curd has nutrients, vitamins and calcium which help soothe ulcers, allergies and heat boils during the season.
Watermelon
Watermelon contains high level (91 per cent) of water. This food will help you to keep cool. Bring watermelon, cool it and have lots of it. Watermelon has antioxidants property.
So, now you have a good knowledge of the foods you should include in your summer diet to keep yourself cool
— Content has been provided by Oxygen Media. To know more visit, www.oxygenliving.com and www.lifespanindia.com
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