How do you keep your body temperature cool ? This year has proven to be one of the hottest summers in the Philippines, with temperatures soaring at 44-45 degrees Celsius. The weather has become so unbearable, that local governments have suspended classes in different areas.
The extreme weather has also led to rising bills and expenses as households turn on their air conditioners all day to beat the heat. Some people have also resorted to buying portable cooling gadgets to keep them cool throughout their day. Is this really the only way to beat the summer heat?
No! Of course not. There are other things you can do to stay cool for the summer. One such way is to consume food and beverages that keep you cool and healthy!
Cucumbers
You know that phrase, “cool as a cucumber”? It’s the phrase we always use to describe that one person who is always so calm and collected even in the midst of a stressful activity. Well, real cucumbers are similar. Cucumbers are known to be cool in the hottest environments. According to a study by the Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, cucumbers can stay around 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
In addition to eating them alone or with other healthy food, you can also gain different health benefits from them. They are also known for having elements like potassium and magnesium that can help with blood pressure and bone density. They can also help your digestive system since they contain fiber. They also contain a lot of water, so they can keep you hydrated in the midst of the heat.
Watermelons
The next food you can eat to keep you cool is watermelons. Watermelons are a staple in during the summertime. It can be seen in different summer-themed music videos such as Katy Perry’s “This is How We Do”, Red Velvet’s “Power Up”, and of course, Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar”. This is a perfect summer snack because of its juicy and refreshing qualities that allow people to stay cool even at the hottest times.
Watermelons contain high water levels, allowing people to stay hydrated and cool while all their heat is excreted. They cool you down and help reduce stress and frustrations. Like cucumbers, they also help your blood pressure and digestive system through potassium and fiber. They also help blood flow, especially when you have diabetes. They also contain vitamin C, reducing inflammation that can cause asthma. They can also protect your skin from wrinkles and the sun’s rays.
Coconut Water
Coconut is another food that reminds us of summer. They can be found all over beaches. Many summer movies always feature a character drinking from a coconut. Even Bini’s cover of “Coconut Nut” gave a strong summer vibe as it talked about it.
Coconut Water is found mainly in green coconuts containing 95% water. You can drink from half a cup to a whole cup of water with it. They can also contain electrolytes and minerals that can help you boost your energy, and reduce weight and blood pressure. It can also improve your heart health. It can also help you detox through hydrating and giving antioxidants that improve your skin and hair. In addition to this, it also has cooling properties that can keep the body cool during the hottest time of the year.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens–the food your mom forced you to eat growing up. You whined and whined, but now you understand why. Of course, they are a great source for nutrients and vitamins like vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, folate, ascorbic acid, and fiber. They help you stay fit and healthy. They can also keep you cool during the summer. This, along with the other food mentioned earlier, contains a rich amount of water that can help you cool down, especially when you are sweating.
According to Dr. Nikita Toshi, a medical practicioner of PharmEasy, you can get nutrients and cooling through leafy greens like lettuce, Chinese cabbage, kale, spinach, and Amaranth. Just make sure to choose the crispy green ones that are moist. For storing, the Food Network Kitchen suggests wrapping them in paper towels and rolling them up or placing them in an airtight container for a short amount of time since they can go bad fast.
Mint Leaves
You probably mint leaves as a balm to soothe some sore spots but have you noticed that it also felt cool as you applied it? Or you may have taken in a mint to freshen your breathe and felt that spicy or “anghang” feeling?
Yes, mint is the next food you can take to cool yourself. It contains menthol, which comes in contact with your mouth and skin, making you feel cooler. Adding it to tea allows you to sweat more, lowering your body temperature. It can also help you digest food and relieve allergies and colds.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is another food that can keep you cool. You may know this more as a soothing gel. It is also used as lotion and dry shampoo since it helps the user feel cooler especially in the hot summer mornings.
But in terms of food, aloe vera is used as an ingredient in food like yogurt and desserts. It is a little bitter at first but turns sweet later on. You can also mix it with cucumber or mint and drink it to feel the coolness all throughout your body.
So why does it cool you during the summer heat? Well, that’s because it contains water properties that evaporate but also get absorbed in your body, causing your skin to feel moisturized.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like lemons, dayaps, oranges, and pomelo are known to keep you cool. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps lower your body temperature.
They also provide additional health benefits, such as phytonutrients, which act as antioxidants and help digest food, especially fatty ones. The Vitamin C in these fruits also helps beautify your skin.
When buying the right citrus fruits, look for the vibrant-colored ones that have the sweetest smell and are very heavy. Make sure the peels are also finely textured or have dimples. Then, you can keep them in the fridge for about a month.
Avocado
Avocados are another great addition to your summer menu. People usually have them on toast or salad, but you can also have them as ice cream. They can help remove extra heat and toxins from the body.
They are also beneficial to the body, with vitamins such as vitamins B, C, E, and K. They also contain good fats known as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol. They also contain fiber, which helps the digestive system. They also contain minerals and antioxidants that can decrease internal inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and help you lose weight.
Water
Lastly, we have water. Water is a natural coolant that has been present in almost all the food that was mentioned earlier. It helps keep your body at normal temperature, making you not feel too hot but does not help you get too cold.
It also helps you stay hydrated while lubricating your joints. It can protect the most sensitive parts of your body, like the spinal cord. It helps your bowel movements and urination, which remove harmful toxins from your body.
You may have heard your parents remind you to drink water, especially during this time of the year. Your body needs more water during the hottest times of the year. You also need it when you are sick, especially when you have a fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is also important when you play sports or work out.
Hopefully these foods help you stay cool and hydrated this summer!
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