Beat the rising mercury with these 10 super foods

These superfoods will keep you healthy and rejuvenated in the Indian summer

The Sun is blazing and the weather is hot throughout India. Along with the high temperature comes extreme thirst and dehydration.

Many of us feel low on energy levels which is a sign that heat is taking a toll on our body. That’s why it becomes very important that we should take extra care of ourseves during the summers. If we follow a good diet we can overcome the worst effects of heat like getting sunstroke and dehydration, and stay healthy during the summer.

Here we list some seasonal foods which will keep you healthy and hydrated this summer

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is the best fruit you can have in summer. It has 91.45 per cent water, which helps in fulfilling your body’s water requirement. Also, loaded with anti-oxidants, watermelon gives you a wonderful cooling effect

2. Cucumber

Loaded with fiber, cucumber keeps constipation at bay. Cucumber also contains high amount of water content. So, have this crunchy vegetable and stay cool during the hot weather

3. Lauki or Bottle Gourd

You might not like this vegetable, but it’s very efficient for weight loss. It’s rich in Vitamin A, C, calcium, magnesium, and folate. Bottle gourd also purifies blood and works well on high blood pressure.

4. Curd or Buttermilk

Whether you have it sweet or sour, curd is an excellent body coolant. You can have curd in any variety you like. Make spicy buttermilk, or sweet lassi. You can also make raita or dip to go with your food or snacks. Another option is to add fruits and nuts to hung curd and turn it into yummy smoothie

5. Salads

Just toss some finely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and basil leaves in curd and olive oil to make a cool summer salad. Salads are a bundle of nutrition and are a great way to lose weight. You can also throw some fruits, nuts, white meat, peppers, mint or coriander leaves to make a light and lovely brunch

6. Coconut water

Nariyal Pani or daab is the best summer drink. This ‘pocket-friendly’ cooler is available with almost all vegetable and fruit vendors. Coconut water is loaded with minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. It has cooling properties that help you fight against the hot weather

7. Mint

This Indian herb is another summer refresher. You can prepare mint chutney, or add it to your butter milk or raita. This flavourful herb not only keeps you cool but also gives you a refreshing effect

8. Onions

It might be surprising to know that onions have great cooling properties. Eating them raw may not appeal to you, but you can always add lemon, salt and olive oil to prepare salads. You can also add onions to your vegetables and raita. Red onions are rich source of quercetin, which is a natural anti-allergen. Onions also help in protecting you against the sun-stroke

9. Lime water

Make Shikanji, Nimbu paani or lemonade. Lime water is another refreshing drink for summer. A glass of lime water provides many health benefits. Lime is best source of vitamin C. When combined with some herbs and spices like cumin powder, chat masala and black salt it just goes to another level and acts as the best coolant for your body

10. Jal Jeera

Jal Jeera or cumin seed cooler is a delicious spicy appetiser drink comprising of black salt, dry mango, cumin, citric acid, mint leaves and asafoetida. It has an unique flavor and can be a refreshing choice in a hot summer day.