10 best cooling foods for Summer!!

Summer is here and it is time to focus on some fruit and vegetables that have a cooling effect in the gruesome heat. While summer brings in more thirst than hunger, it is important to stay healthy and eat nutritious food in order to combat the dangers of sun strokes.

We look at some best cooling foods that prove helpful and taste while providing the body with nutrients.

1.Curd – Curd or Yogurt is one of the best foods that is both delicious as well as nutritious. Take a thick curd to make a tasty Raitha with veggies like Cucumber, tomatoes and carrots. Whip yogurts with fruit to make yummy desserts. Curds can be used to make a cooling buttermilk or ‘Chachh’ or thick sweet Lassi.

2.Coconut Water – Loaded with electrolytes and essential minerals, coconut water is a natural boon. While keeping the body hydrated, it is delicious and irresistible in the baking heat of the season. Not many are aware that coconut water has elements to fight cancer.

3.Watermelons – Rather than the roadside ones, get a fresh whole watermelon and cut it at home. Consumed either as slices or juice, watermelon is tasty and full of energy boosters to keep one active and hydrated throughout.

4.Cucumber – Also called as ‘Kheera’, cucumbers are wholesome vegetables that come packed with fibre. Helping both in constipation and hydration, they are also delectable while eaten raw or added in salads.

5.Mint – Deliciously refreshing, Mint or Pudina leaves zing up your dips, chutneys and Raithas. These divine leaves have amazing flavour that totally change the taste of some of the dishes made at home

6.Green vegetables – Spinach, Lettuce, Broccoli.. all the green veggies have to be consumed throughout the year, and particularly in summer to equip the body with immunity to fight against diseases.

7.Onions – While being tasty, onions have an amazing power to fight sun strokes. Involve them in various preparations, dips, salads, pickles, curries and make the most out of these highly flavoured vegetables.

8.Musk Melon – Another delightful fruit that arrives in summer, musk melon is tasty and effective in cooling the body.

9.Lime Water – Perhaps everyone’s favourite, lime water or ‘Neembu Paani’ is an excellent refresher. Add a pinch of salt and cumin powder to get the tang going.

10. Ice Creams – Now, who can say no to ice creams in summer? An instant favourite with both young and the old, ice creams are the best choices in summer available in different flavours.