Summer Special: Beat The Heat With These 7 Stomach Cooling Superfoods
Are you sick of the scorching summer heat? Don’t worry, this article will help you sail through the summer season. We have listed here the best summer cooler superfoods that you should incorporate into your summer diet regularly. Read till the last to know about these foods and how they can help your stomach stay cool.
Top 7 Summer Cooler Superfoods
1. Buttermilk:
Buttermilk is a traditional drink that’s often consumed during hot summers to cool the body down. It has several properties that can help keep the stomach cool:
Hydration: Buttermilk is primarily composed of water, which helps in keeping the body hydrated during hot weather. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a cool body temperature.
Cooling Effect: Buttermilk has a cooling effect on the body due to its temperature and composition. It feels refreshing to drink, especially when chilled, and can help lower body temperature.
Probiotics: Buttermilk contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. These probiotics can help in maintaining a healthy digestive system, which is important for overall well-being during the summer months.
Electrolytes: Buttermilk naturally contains electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which are lost through sweat during hot weather. Replenishing these electrolytes helps in maintaining the body’s fluid balance and prevents dehydration.
Digestive Properties: Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which aids in digestion. It can help soothe the stomach and alleviate digestive discomfort, which is often exacerbated by the heat.
Overall, buttermilk is a refreshing and nutritious beverage that can help keep the stomach cool and hydrated during hot summer days.
2. Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are known for their refreshing and cooling properties, particularly during hot summer months. Here’s how they can help keep the stomach cool:
High Water Content: Citrus fruits have a high water content, which helps to keep the body hydrated. Staying hydrated is essential for regulating body temperature and preventing overheating.
Rich in Vitamin C: Citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and promoting overall digestive health.
Acidity Regulation: Despite their acidic taste, citrus fruits have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized. This can help to balance the pH levels in the stomach and reduce acidity, providing a soothing effect.
Digestive Aid: Citrus fruits contain natural enzymes that can aid digestion. These enzymes help to break down food more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of indigestion or bloating, which can be exacerbated in hot weather.
Electrolyte Balance: Citrus fruits contain electrolytes like potassium, which are important for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Electrolytes help to prevent dehydration and support overall digestive function.
Fiber Content: Many citrus fruits are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps to prevent constipation. A healthy digestive system contributes to overall comfort and well-being, especially during warmer months when dehydration and digestive issues are more common.
Incorporating citrus fruits into your diet during the summer can be a delicious and refreshing way to stay cool and support optimal digestive health.
3. Cucumber:
Cucumbers are not only refreshing and hydrating, but they also have several properties that can help keep the stomach cool during the summer:
High Water Content: Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them incredibly hydrating. Consuming foods with high water content helps to keep the body hydrated and regulate body temperature, which can be especially beneficial during hot weather.
Low Caloric Density: Cucumbers are low in calories but high in volume due to their water content. This makes them a great choice for staying full and satisfied without overeating, which can be important for maintaining comfort in hot weather.
Alkaline Properties: Despite their slightly acidic taste, cucumbers have an alkaline-forming effect on the body once metabolized. This can help to balance the pH levels in the stomach and reduce acidity, providing a soothing effect.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients support overall digestive health and help to maintain electrolyte balance, which is important for staying cool and hydrated.
Fiber Content: Cucumbers contain soluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and promotes regularity. A healthy digestive system is essential for overall comfort, and consuming fiber-rich foods like cucumbers can help prevent digestive discomfort during the summer.
Cooling Sensation: Cucumbers have a naturally refreshing and cooling effect when consumed, which can provide relief from heat and humidity. This sensation can help to soothe the stomach and alleviate discomfort associated with hot weather.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cucumbers contain various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins. These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body, including inflammation in the digestive tract, which can contribute to digestive comfort during the summer.
Incorporating cucumbers into your diet during the summer can be a simple and effective way to stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable, while also supporting optimal digestive health.
4. Herbal Teas:
Herbal teas can be a soothing and refreshing option to help keep the stomach cool during the summer months. Here’s how they can achieve this:
Hydration: Like citrus fruits and cucumbers, herbal teas contribute to hydration due to their water content. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining a balanced body temperature and supporting overall digestive health.
Cooling Herbs: Certain herbs commonly used in herbal teas have cooling properties that can help to soothe the stomach and alleviate discomfort in hot weather. Examples include peppermint, spearmint, chamomile, and lemon balm. These herbs provide a refreshing sensation and can help to calm the digestive system.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Many herbal teas contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing digestive discomfort or bloating during the summer.
Digestive Support: Some herbal teas, such as ginger tea, can aid digestion and alleviate symptoms like indigestion, gas, and bloating. Ginger has been traditionally used as a digestive aid and can help to promote a healthy balance of stomach acids.
Antioxidants: Herbal teas are rich in antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants support overall digestive health and can help to alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the stomach.
Calming Effects: Certain herbal teas, such as chamomile and lavender, have calming and relaxing effects on the body. These teas can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for digestive issues. By promoting relaxation, herbal teas can indirectly support digestive comfort during the summer.
Nourishment without Heat: Unlike caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea, herbal teas can be enjoyed without adding heat to the body. This can be particularly beneficial during hot weather when excessive heat can exacerbate digestive discomfort.
When selecting herbal teas to support digestive health during the summer, it’s essential to choose varieties that are caffeine-free and gentle on the stomach. Experimenting with different herbs and blends can help you find the ones that work best for you in keeping your stomach cool and comfortable during the warmer months.
5. Coconut Water:
Coconut water is a natural and refreshing low-calorie beverage that can help keep the stomach cool during the summer months. Here’s how it achieves this:
Hydration: Coconut water is incredibly hydrating, thanks to its high water content and electrolyte composition. Staying hydrated is crucial for regulating body temperature and supporting overall digestive function, especially during hot weather.
Electrolyte Balance: Coconut water contains electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Electrolytes help to prevent dehydration and support optimal digestive health, particularly in hot and humid conditions when electrolyte loss through sweat is increased.
Cooling Properties: Coconut water has a naturally refreshing and cooling effect when consumed. The sensation of drinking cold coconut water can help to lower body temperature and provide relief from heat and humidity, which can be beneficial for keeping the stomach cool during the summer.
Gentle on the Stomach: Coconut water is naturally low in acidity, making it gentle on the stomach. Unlike some other beverages that may cause digestive discomfort or acidity, coconut water is generally well-tolerated and can help to soothe the digestive tract.
Natural Antioxidants: Coconut water contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and phenolic compounds, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants support overall digestive health and can help to alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the stomach.
Digestive Support: Coconut water contains enzymes that aid in digestion and promote the absorption of nutrients. These enzymes can help to support a healthy digestive system and reduce the likelihood of digestive issues such as bloating or indigestion, which can be exacerbated by heat and dehydration.
Incorporating coconut water into your diet during the summer can be a delicious and effective way to stay cool, and hydrated, and support optimal digestive health. It’s a natural alternative to sugary or caffeinated beverages and provides a range of benefits for overall well-being during the warmer months.
6. Watermelon:
Watermelon is a popular summer fruit known for its high water content and refreshing taste. Here’s how watermelon can help keep the stomach cool during the summer:
Hydration: Watermelon is composed of about 92% water, making it an excellent hydrating fruit. Consuming foods with high water content helps to keep the body hydrated, regulate body temperature, and support overall digestive health, especially during hot weather.
Electrolyte Balance: In addition to water, watermelon contains electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Electrolytes help to prevent dehydration and support optimal digestive function, particularly in hot and humid conditions.
Cooling Properties: Watermelon has a naturally refreshing and cooling effect when consumed, making it a popular choice for staying cool during the summer. The high water content combined with its juicy texture provides a hydrating and satisfying sensation that can help to lower body temperature and alleviate discomfort in hot weather.
Low Acidity: Watermelon is low in acidity, making it gentle on the stomach. Unlike some acidic fruits that may cause digestive discomfort or acidity, watermelon is generally well-tolerated and can help to soothe the digestive tract.
Natural Source of Lycopene: Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in watermelon, has been associated with various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against certain diseases. Incorporating lycopene-rich foods like watermelon into your diet can contribute to overall well-being during the summer months.
In summary, watermelon is a hydrating, refreshing, and nutritious fruit that can help keep the stomach cool during the summer. Its high water content, electrolyte balance, cooling properties, and digestive benefits make it an excellent choice for staying hydrated and comfortable in hot weather.
7. Sattu Drink:
Sattu drink is a traditional beverage made from roasted gram flour, popular in India, particularly during the hot summer months. Here’s how sattu drink can help keep the stomach cool:
Hydration: Sattu drink is typically mixed with water, which helps to keep the body hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential for regulating body temperature and supporting overall digestive function, especially in hot weather.
Cooling Properties: Sattu is considered a cooling food in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. Its consumption is believed to have a cooling effect on the body, helping to alleviate heat-related discomfort during the summer. The combination of roasted gram flour and water provides a refreshing and soothing sensation.
Rich in Protein: Sattu is a good source of plant-based protein, which helps to promote satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels. Unlike sugary or caffeinated beverages, sattu drink provides sustained energy without causing spikes in blood sugar, making it a healthier choice for staying energized during the summer.
Digestive Benefits: Sattu is known for its digestive benefits. It contains dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps to prevent constipation. Additionally, the roasted gram flour used in sattu drink is believed to aid in digestion and promote gut health.
Nutrient-Rich: Sattu is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients support overall health and well-being, helping to maintain optimal functioning of the digestive system and other bodily processes.
Natural and Refreshing: Sattu drink is a natural and wholesome beverage that is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and added sugars. Its simple ingredients make it a refreshing alternative to processed drinks, contributing to overall digestive comfort and well-being during the summer.
In summary, sattu drink is a nutritious and cooling beverage that can help keep the stomach cool during the summer months. Its hydrating properties, cooling effect, protein content, digestive benefits, and nutrient-rich composition make it a popular choice for maintaining comfort and well-being in hot weather.
SUMMING UP
Taking precautions is essential to shield oneself from the intense heat and its harmful consequences when the temperature reaches unbearable heights. If you don’t, dehydration and extended exposure to hot weather may cause heat stress or hyperthermia, a condition in which the body’s temperature gets abnormally high. Hence, experts recommend incorporating the above-mentioned superfoods into the summer diet to help keep the stomach cool.
