Naturally Cooling Foods for Summer

As the weather changes, getting set for spring and summer, our diets begin to lighten up and we enjoy the yummy bounty of the season. We begin to crave foods that keep us cool.

Ayurveda is a science that focuses on balancing the body’s life energies (vata, pitta, and kapha) rather than focusing on individual symptoms. In Ayurveda, warm weather can also be dominated by a pitta imbalance which can cause excessive body heat along with irritability, anger, hatred, judgment, criticism, and jealousy. Those who feel these emotions coming on should consider balancing them with these cooling foods.

Coconut oil

In the summer, coconut oil is a great choice because of its pitta-reducing qualities. It’s the most preferable fat source during warm weather. Coconut oil is also known to boost thyroid health, increase metabolism, support immune health, and it’s good for your skin.

Watermelon

Melons of all varieties will keep you cool, as long as they’re ripe. Stay away from sour fruits. What says summer more than a juicy watermelon?

The amino acid found in watermelon, has been found to lower cholesterol by causing the body to produce nitric oxide, which widens the blood vessels.

Grapes

Super sweet fruits like grapes are ideal. The antioxidant-filled fruit is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, especially with regards to heart health. Frozen grapes also make a great dessert.

Broccoli

It’s a cooling cruciferous super food that carries its weight in iron. One medium stalk of broccoli on a salad, stir fry, or for dippin’ amounts to 2.1 mg of iron. Munch on steamed broccoli with some type of grilled fish.

Avocado

Yum guacamole? I certainly don’t need an excuse to eat it, but avocado is great for you.

Yes, avocadoes have fat, but it’s a monounsaturated fat, a so-called “good fat” that helps control blood sugar, which in turn controls overall weight. Avocados also contain a rare weight-loss friendly carbohydrate.

Cucumber

Quintessentially cooling. While it seems like water and a few seeds, subtle cucumbers contain most of the B vitamins and so much more such as folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Source: Fit & Health

Raghda Sawas