When summer approaches, it feels like you will enjoy all summer activities, and it will be all fun. But as time goes by and temperatures soar, all you think about is how to cool yourself down. The heat can become dangerous, and without realizing it, you might face dehydration.
Nature is the greatest gift we have. In summer, it provides us with fruits and vegetables with more water content to keep our bodies hydrated and refreshed. Let’s explore five unique ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen that help you cool down and keep you refreshed.
Cucumber: The Hydration Booster
Cucumbers are very high in water content and comprise about 96% water. In addition to this, they are excellent sources of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. All these nutrients help relieve constipation and flush out toxins from the body. Moreover, they hydrate the body on the hottest days.
How to Use It:
- Cucumber Water: Slice a cucumber and add it to a water bottle, refrigerating for a few hours. This adds a refreshing flavour to water and hydrates your body.
- Cucumber Salad: Prepare a salad containing tomatoes and other fresh veggies. Drizzle it with olive oil and lemon juice, seasoning it according to your taste. Consuming a salad like this cools the body.
- Cucumber Soup: Blending cucumbers with yogurt, garlic, and mint creates a chilled soup perfect for cooling down during hot summer days.
Mint: The Cooling Herb
Mint is not only used to garnish; it also has cooling effects. The component of mint menthol is known for activating cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, helping to cool the body from the inside out. In addition, it soothes indigestion and alleviates body heat when consumed.
How to Use It:
- Mint Tea: Mint leaves add a cooling effect to iced tea. You can also brew some mint leaves in hot water and allow them to cool. Refrigerate this and add a few drops of lemon juice and ice to enjoy your drink.
- You can also infuse mint leaves in water for regular use.
- Mint Chutney: Mint chutney is a summer staple. Mint leaves, green chillies, garlic, lemon juice, and salt are blended. The resulting chutney is refreshing and can be consumed with any kind of bread or rice.
- Mint Smoothie: blending yogurt with mint leaves and a dash of honey makes a revitalizing smoothie.
Watermelon: The Juicy Cooler
Watermelon is about 92% water and is very hydrating. However, it is not only delicious but also a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage caused by UV rays. It is also a source of vitamins A, B6 and C.
How to Use It:
- Watermelon Slices: refrigerate a watermelon. Cut it and enjoy.it is guaranteed that you will feel cooled down and refreshed
- Watermelon Salad: combine feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar with some chunks of watermelon. Refrigerate the salad and enjoy the sweet and savoury taste to cool down the effects.
- Watermelon Juice: blend some chilled watermelon with ice and lemon juice. This juice instantly cools down and revitalizes the soul.
Yogurt: The Probiotic Cooler
yogurt is a powerhouse of probiotics that improve gut health. It contains lactic acid bacteria and maintains a healthy digestive system. Hot weather often triggers the digestive system, and yogurt helps relieve these issues. It also gives a cooling effect when consumed during a summer heat wave.
How to Use It:
- Raita: Grated cucumber, mint, and cumin seeds in a bowl of yogurt make a great yogurt bowl. This is often served with spicy food or eaten on its own to cool down the body.
- Smoothies: Blend yogurtYogurt with your favourite fruits, such as mango or berries, for a thick and creamy smoothie.
- Frozen Yogurt: Frozen yogurtYogurt and drizzling it with honey and fruits is an excellent alternative to ice cream. This not only refreshes the body but also the soul.
Coconut Water: Nature’s Electrolyte Drink
Coconut water is the most refreshing summer drink. It replenishes the body with lost electrolytes due to heat and sweating. It is also a natural resource of vitamins and minerals, which not only rehydrate the body but also act as a shield against illnesses.
How to Use It:
- Straight Up: chilled coconut water is a satisfying and hydrating beverage.
- Smoothies: Coconut water can be used as a base for smoothies, and fruits like pineapple and mango can be combined for a tropical twist.
- Popsicles: Frozen coconut water with pieces of your favorite fruits. This is a treat for the body in hot weather.
Bonus Tips for Staying Cool in Summers
- Stay Hydrated. Hydration prevents illness during a heatwave. Drink plenty of water. You can add salt and lemon to your water to replenish your electrolytes.
- Wear Light Clothing: Choose clothing that you are comfortable in. Loose clothes made of summer-friendly fabrics and light colours are ideal in summer and keep you cool.
- Seek Shade: Stay indoors during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) and seek shade when outdoors.
- Use Fans and AC: cool the indoor spaces using fans, ACs, and coolers.
- Take Cool Showers: cool showers are an instant mood booster during heat waves; make sure you take regular cool showers to lower your body temperature.
Conclusion
Every year, during a heat wave, the weather becomes unbearable. But eventually, turning towards nature’s countless blessings helps you find heat wave solutions, too. These five kitchen ingredients are a must-have in your kitchen during those scorching summer days to save you and your family. When used correctly in different combinations, these five ingredients cool down the body and revitalize the soul, too. Every season has its glory; remember to take care of yourself and enjoy the glory of summer.
