Foods to Keep Cool During Summertime
Summer has shown its face these past couple of months. Strangely, this season feels like it is more humid and hotter than previous years. During times of muggy weather and feeling the sun's rays beating down can make it difficult to keep cool. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are ways to get around that, food being one.
In TCM, everything we consume has a particular temperature when digested. Some foods are more cooling or cold, whereas others can be more warming or hot. When digested, this affects our body constitution. For example, if someone tends to run a bit warmer or hot, spicy foods such as chili peppers or warming spices will add to the heat the person is already feeling internally. In order to cool down this internal heat, it would be best to consume foods with a cooler or colder temperature when digested. The temperature can also affect us when the weather is a bit more extreme, such as this lovely season, Summertime.
So when it feels like the air conditioner is being overworked and popsicles aren't cutting it, try a few of these foods to cool down.
Watermelon
Watermelon is such a great fruit to have during the summertime. It is actually one of the most popular fruits during the warmer months. In TCM, this melon helps to clear heat and acts as a diuretic, which assists in reducing swelling and it even keeps us calm by soothing our mood when we feel irritable. Mostly the rind or white part of the inner melon is used, which is the unpopular part of the fruit that tens to get discarded. So don't be afraid to give it a try since it actually has some pretty awesome cooling properties.
Cucumber
This is one of my go-tos when I'm feeling hot or want something a bit more refreshing. I love adding cucumber to my water, eating it with hummus or enjoying it by itself. Cucumber is refreshing and cooling. It helps to cool the heat we feel, remove toxins, hydrate, and assists with digestion. It even helps to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and is packed with antioxidants.
Avocado
Oh my! This is my absolute favorite! I can eat this any time of the year! Great for the skin and hair but also helps to reduce heat internally, detox the body, great at providing moisture, and is good for digestion. This magical fruit helps to reduce inflammation and provides a number of vitamins and minerals. It is also considered a great source of fat that aids in the body's normal functions, including absorbing nutrients and water.
Coconut Water
This may not be everyone's cup of "water". It can be a bit of an acquired taste. However, it is natural source of some vitamins and minerals to keep the body hydrated and cool during the hot season. Coconut water helps to provide potassium, calcium, magnesium, and amino acids, which are part of the electrolytes that are needed in order to keep our fluid balance in check but also several body systems functioning properly.
Apples
Apples are a great way to cool down during the summer. They are such a common fruit that their health benefits sometimes get overlooked. In TCM, consuming apples has a number of benefits to our health. One being using them to cool down internally and reduce inflammation. They also help to eliminate toxins, improve digestion, and is great for the skin.
So the next time you're feeling a little warm and don't really want to reach for the ice cream or fan, try one of these cooling foods to keep your body temperature in line!
Beat the Heat: Natural Ways to Stay Cool This Summer
As temperatures rise, finding ways to stay cool becomes a top priority. While air conditioning offers instant relief, there are plenty of natural and sustainable methods to keep your cool without relying solely on electricity. Let's explore some effective ways to beat the heat naturally.
1. Hydration is Key:
- Drink Plenty of Water: This is the most fundamental way to stay cool. Water helps regulate your body temperature by sweating. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day.
- Infused Water: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or mint to your water for a refreshing twist.
- Herbal Teas: Cool herbal teas like peppermint or hibiscus can be incredibly refreshing. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, as they can dehydrate you.
- Eat Water-Rich Foods: Watermelon, cucumbers, celery, and other fruits and vegetables with high water content can help you stay hydrated.
2. Dress for the Weather:
- Light-Colored, Loose Clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Light colors reflect sunlight, while loose clothing allows for better air circulation.
- Wide-Brimmed Hats and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from direct sunlight by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
3. Cool Your Environment:
- Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze. Do this during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning and evening.
- Close Curtains and Blinds: During the hottest part of the day, close curtains and blinds to block out direct sunlight.
- Use Fans Strategically: Place fans near open windows to circulate cool air. You can also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a DIY air cooler.
- Cool Down Your Bedding: Use lightweight cotton or linen sheets. You can also try chilling your pillowcase in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime.
- Minimize Heat-Generating Appliances: Avoid using ovens or other heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the day.
4. Cool Your Body Directly:
- Cool Showers or Baths: Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses to your forehead, neck, or wrists.
- Soak Your Feet: Soaking your feet in cool water can help lower your overall body temperature.
- Mist Yourself: Keep a spray bottle filled with cool water and mist yourself throughout the day.
5. Modify Your Lifestyle:
- Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Seek Shade: When outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Eat Light Meals: Avoid heavy, hot meals that can raise your body temperature. Opt for salads, fruits, and other light, refreshing foods.
- Slow Down: Take breaks and avoid overexertion.
6. Natural Cooling Aids:
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel can soothe sunburn and cool the skin.
- Peppermint Oil: Diluted peppermint oil can provide a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.
- Cooling Foods: Certain foods, like mint, watermelon, and cucumber, have natural cooling properties.
By incorporating these natural cooling methods into your routine, you can stay comfortable and healthy during the hottest days of summer, without relying solely on energy-intensive air conditioning.