Following on from our previous blog post Environment Friendly Tips To Keep Cool This Summer we now going to look at some great natural foods to keep you cool this summer.
These natural summer foods will cool you from the inside out. They will not only cool your body but it will also keep you in shape and give you more energy on those lazy summer days. More energy to go to more festivals, roll in the grass, play Frisbee, swim, take long walks, mow the lawn and maybe spend more time playing fetch with Fido.
Let’s eat, be merry and celebrate the summer fun!
The Best Natural Foods To Keep You Cool This Summer:
Coriander (aka Cilantro) – Coriander also known as Cilantro is a green herb with a very distinct smell. This herb is used in many dishes from all parts of the exotic world, India, Thailand, Middle East and Vietnam. This herb is normally sprinkled on top of foods as a garnishing. This herb has been proven to be an excellent way to cool the body’s core temperature. It has many added benefits as well (to name a few) – aids digestion, anti inflammatory, reduces nausea, wards off infections, high in iron and magnesium, anti-septic for skin disorders. Add Coriander to your salads or foods for that nice healthly cooling effect.
Cucumber – I am sure you heard the term ‘cool as a cucumber’. There is a good reason for this saying. This vegetable is packed with summer goodness. They have a high water content so its one way to stay hydrated in summer. They can also be used as natural cooling agent to alleviate the pain and swelling from sunburn (when applied to the skin 
). The added benefit is, it has zero calories so it will keep you slim and looking good in summer. Cucumbers are packed with energizing vitamins and minerals (Vitamins A, C, K, B6 folate and thiamin; Minerals calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc and potassium).
Watermelon – This is an awesome summer fruit to keep you cool. My personal favorite. This is a great thirst quencher, high in water, low in calories and packed with natural sugars. Watermelon is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A , boosting your immune system in summer and great for the skin. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent Carotenoid antioxidant, Lycopene. Lycopene has been known to prevent prostate cancer in men. Eating a freshly cut wedge of watermelon from the fridge while sitting at your pool is the best way to enjoy this summer fruit. Yummy!
Coconut – Coconut made into a drink called ’coconut water’ is great natural food to keep you cool this summer. Coconut water has become the latest craze used my sports people to stay hydrated. The electrolytes from drinking coconut helps keeps the water and minerals levels balanced in our bodies. A little known fact is , Coconut also contains Lauric Acid which can be found in human breast milk. Lauric Acid a type of fat that is easily absorbed and turned into energy instantly. It also helps fight infections just like breast milk consumed by babies. Cool hey?! But one of the best uses of coconut water is prevention and treatment of hangovers, especially if you over indulging in alcohol on those scorching summer days.
Peaches – Peaches originated in China have been used for many decades in medicines. One of the great properties of Peaches is its ability to cool the body’s core temperature. Known as the ‘cooling fruit’ in China, peaches are high in fiber and vitamins. It is also one of the only fruits that contain calcium. Peaches are also rich in iron, which is very good for people suffering with anemia. In summer they are best eaten whole or drunk as a refreshing ice-cold tea.
Chilies – Contrary to what you are thinking right now, chilies has a cooling effect to the body. A chili increases circulation and makes you sweat and this process of sweating is nature’s way to cool you off. Chilies also contain capsaicin that releases endorphins to the brain and makes you feel good. Happy Days! Add chilies to your salads or summer foods. This one of my favorite natural foods to keep cool this summer.
Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera is best known for its soothing and cooling effects. As your digestive system builds up with toxins this causes an inflammation of your organs, which in turn produces ‘heat’. Aloe Vera helps clear out your digestive tract releasing toxins and cooling the body from the inside out. The Aloe Vera gel is also great for treating 1st degree burns (Sunburn). Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents that reliefs and cools sunburn and speeds up the skin’s recovery. The Aloe Vera drink can be purchased from your nearest health store. It is best drunk chilled sitting under an umbrella with your fee up sitting in you bikini or boardshorts.
