Feeling out of energy due to heat? These foods will make you feel instantly better
1. Foods to beat the heat
The season has changed again and for all those who love summers it is time to rejoice. But the season also zaps you of energy. In the mornings, when you wake up there is an unexplained reason many of us feel tired and weak, and even the daily chores appear a difficult task. Excessive heat brings down our blood pressure and sweating zaps us of essential salts. We might try and remain hydrated, yet water is not the only thing we need. Since like kids, we cannot all the time replenish our energy levels with glucose, it is important to include certain foods in your diet to feel super strong and full of energy. According to celebrity nutritionist Sandhya Gugnani, “You should not just have water, fresh juices and coconut water, but should also include some coolants and high vitamin foods to feel healthy and energetic in summers.” Here is a list of foods that you must have daily to feel at the top of the world.
2. Raw mangoes
Have them in the form of aam panna or as chutney, raw mangoes will keep you safe from sun stroke. It is rich in vitamin C and is said to treat scurvy, is good for the heart and also cures stomach ailments that are so common in summers. You can grind together raw mangoes, a pinch of sugar and salt, some mustard oil and a sprig of mint and relish the dip with any food.
3. Cucumber
It is refreshing and full of water and also a great source of minerals. Just eat them raw sprinkled with sea salt and pepper or make a dip with yoghurt and mint. You can also add slices of cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint in your bottle and make detox water that you can sip through the day. This curbs hunger and prevents water retention.
4. Melons
Watermelon, muskmelon, cantaloupe are available in summers for a reason. Nature has not just made them rich in water and minerals and are good in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, but they also help control blood sugar and are good for the bones.
5. Flax seeds
Traditionally, these antioxidant rich seeds are part of summer diet in rural India. Before the world awoke to their health benefits they have been used in chutneys, vegetables and dals to add taste and health to food, particularly during summers. Also known as tisi or alsi, they are a good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and are useful in several diseases. They improve cholesterol levels in body, prevent cancer, lower blood pressure and are a good source of high quality protein.
6. Wood Apple
Bel or wood apple is an exotic Indian fruit which is a wonderful source of fibre. It keeps you safe from sun stroke and also takes care of a number of stomach ailments like diarrhoea, food poisoning and dysentery that are so rampant in summers. This fruit will also keep you safe from bacterial and viral infections and are good for diabetics. Soak them in water overnight. In the morning mix in water and strain. Drink at least 1-2 glasses of this sherbet everyday.
7. Yoghurt
Summers impact digestion adversely. Including this probiotic rich food in your diet is a must. Have it in the form of chaach or raita, and you will feel hydrated for long. You can even make lassi with yoghurt, it will keep you full for long.
8. Coconut water
There is nothing better than coconut water for maintaining electrolyte balance in your body in summers. It is rich source of potassium and is good for balancing blood pressure and keeping you hydrated.
9. Lemon water
What can be as refreshing as lime water? Sugar is not just rich in Vitamin C, but also a diuretic hence helps in flushing out toxins from the body. It helps maintain the body’s PH balance and is a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Don’t add add sugar to your lemon water if you want to reap the maximum benefits.
