As the summer sun beats down, many people struggle to stay cool and hydrated. But did you know that certain vegetables contain high amounts of water and nutrients that can help your body better regulate its temperature? Loading up on the right veggies can be a tasty way to literally "beat the heat" this summer.
The beauty of these summer superhero vegetables is that they are low in calories and carbs. This means you can eat generous portions without worrying about weight gain. Focus on eating them raw or lightly cooked to get the most nutritional bang for your buck. Whip up chilled gazpacho with tomatoes and cucumbers or a spinach salad topped with radishes and red peppers.
So don't suffer through the sweltering summer. Arm yourself with hydrating, cooling vegetables at every meal. Your body will thank you!
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutritious vegetable with many health benefits. Its diuretic properties help flush excess water and toxins from the body. Pumpkin is also cooling and soothing for the digestive tract. According to the National Library of Medicine, fibre in pumpkin can relieve constipation, while the cucurbitacins remove intestinal parasites. Including pumpkin in your diet can improve digestion in multiple ways.
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Onion
Onions may seem like an unlikely source of sun protection and allergy relief, but this humble vegetable contains some surprising health benefits. According to the National Library of Medicine, red onions are packed with quercetin, a plant compound that acts as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant. Quercetin helps alleviate allergy symptoms and protects the skin from UV damage that leads to sunburn.
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Cucumber
The cool cucumber has long been prized for its refreshing and hydrating properties. This low-calorie vegetable is rich in water and nutrients that promote healthy skin, aid digestion, and support detoxification. Eating cucumbers helps the body flush out toxins and reduces bloating and inflammation. Beyond their internal benefits as per the National Library of Medicine cucumbers also contain antioxidants that protect skin from damage when applied topically.
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Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a nutritious vegetable that can provide many health benefits when consumed regularly. Its bitter taste comes from compounds like momordica, which are thought to promote immunity and regulate blood sugar. Research by the National Library of Medicine bitter gourd contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that may help treat skin conditions like boils, rashes, fungal infections, and ringworm when applied topically.
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Ridged Gourd
The summer vegetable bitter gourd is an excellent addition to one's diet for its many health benefits. Ridged gourd, also known as bitter melon, helps purify the blood by flushing out toxins. It contains compounds that help lower blood sugar levels, making it useful for managing diabetes. The antioxidants and fibre in Ridged gourd promote gastrointestinal health and can relieve constipation, indigestion, and ulcers says research by the National Library of Medicine.
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Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd, also known as lauki, is a summer superfood owing to its high-water content. With over 95% water, it is incredibly hydrating and cools the body. Additionally, it is rich in fibre and alkalizing minerals, which soothe acidity and stomach inflammation that can flare up in the summer's heat. According to the National Library of Medicine beyond hydration, bottle gourds support kidney health by reducing urinary salt loss. Its mild diuretic action also prevents fluid retention.
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