Cooling Your Body Down Naturally
Is it just us, or has it been hot here lately? Singapore’s tropical weather has its perks, but there are days when the heat seems to be testing us. Hot weather will affect our mental state and physical well-being. Some days, it will even make us feel sluggish or unwell. However, more than the weather, our body temperature can be influenced by what we eat. So, let’s explore the different foods that can help cool our bodies down, naturally!
Hydrating Foods
One of the easiest and fastest ways to regulate our body temperature is by keeping hydrated. While drinking water is a good habit to have, you can also consume water-rich fruits and vegetables to increase water intake.
Foods like watermelons, strawberries and cucumbers have high water content, which will help hydrate you and regulate your body temperature, keeping it cool. They also offer a refreshing taste and are enjoyed best when it is refrigerated. Green leafy vegetables also have high water content that offers a cooling effect. So, salads are a great idea on a hot day.
For a truly refreshing treat on a hot day, try making a green juice that is packed with leafy greens and a splash of Coconut Cider like this Detox Green Juice recipe. Hydrating foods are a great solution to beating the heat, however you choose to enjoy them.
Cooling Herbs & Ingredients
Some foods are believed to be cooling in traditional Chinese medicine. These foods are known to have yin energy. An article shares, “Foods which are cooling are usually lower in calories, have a soothing and refreshing taste, and require little to no cooking.”
Some herbs like chrysanthemum, dandelion, and winter melon are the most common favourites and are often made into porridge or tea. The teas can be enjoyed over ice, but are still refreshing and soothing when sipped warm.
Another ingredient that is traditionally known to be cooling is barley. Grandmothers would often make barley drinks when a young one is down with fever. That is because it is both hydrating and soothing.
Mint is another refreshing ingredient that offers a cooling effect. They make great additions to juices or salads for a boost of that invigorating feeling.
Light & Easy Meals Over Heavy, Oily Dishes
On hot days, you may find yourself drawn to cold foods. However, the actual trick to eating to cool down is to opt for light and easy meals instead of heavier meals or fried foods.
Dishes like soups and porridges are perfect for hot days as they are light yet filling and delicious. Try something like this Singapore-style Fish Soup that is not only refreshing, but with Brown GABA and Riceberry Rice, makes a hearty and comforting meal.
You could also try making dishes like cold soba noodle salad will be a great lunch dish that is cooling and satisfying. Swap out your regular spaghetti for something like Organic Buckwheat Spaghetti for additional nutritional benefits.
Beating the heat doesn’t always mean using fans and air conditioners. Sometimes, all you need is the right kind of food. By incorporating water-rich foods, cooling herbs, and lighter meals, you can make meals turn into your internal air conditioner. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun as much as possible to avoid heat exhaustion and overheating. Even if you can’t control the weather, you can still control how you lead life in it.