Some of the best foods to eat during the summer months are those that are light, hydrating, and easy to digest. Fruits and vegetables that have high water content, like watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, celery, and tomatoes, are great options. Their high water content keeps us hydrated, while the fibre aids digestion. It's also wise to increase probiotic foods like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented items like sauerkraut and kimchi. The beneficial bacteria in these foods support our gut and immunity.
On the other hand, summer is not the best time for heavy, greasy, or rich foods. Barbecued and fried items, whole milk dairy, fatty meats, and heavy cream sauces are harder to tolerate when it's hot. And while a chilled beer or sugary frozen cocktail may seem tempting, alcohol and excess sugar can irritate the stomach and cause discomfort.
Paying attention to how certain items affect your own digestive system can help determine what works for you and what's better to avoid when the temperatures climb. Here is a list of some of the best and worst food for your stomach for summer season.
The Best Foods
Watermelon
Watermelons are mostly water and packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that help prevent dehydration, boost energy, and provide many health benefits. The antioxidants in watermelons can improve heart and skin health, fight disease, strengthen immunity, and promote radiant skin and hair.
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Coconut water
Coconut water is a refreshing and nutritious alternative to plain water. This natural beverage contains electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and has a sweet, tropical taste. Drinking coconut water is an easy way to stay hydrated and replenish nutrients, especially on hot summer days when the body loses more fluids.
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Onions
Though often dismissed as an old wives' tale, onions provide real heat-fighting benefits. The red onions found in India contain quercetin, an antioxidant that boosts immunity. Onions also have natural histamines and oils that shield the body from heat. With their unique nutritional profile, onions help you stay cool when temperatures rise. So don't underestimate this humble vegetable - it may be the best heat-beating food around.
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a superfood that you should eat year-round, but they are especially great in the summer. That's because they contain an antioxidant called lycopene that gives them their bright red color. So be sure to keep eating tomatoes all summer long to boost your sun protection. Their rich antioxidant content will help safeguard your skin from the inside out.
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The Worst Foods
Junk Food
Greasy burgers and fries feel good going down, but they can spell disaster later! When hot outside, it's best to avoid heavy fast foods that are hard to digest. Instead, opt for lighter fare like fresh fruit smoothies or steamed veggie dumplings. Foods like these won't weigh you down. By choosing wisely, you'll stay nourished, hydrated and happy all season long.
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Meat
Meat contains important nutrients, but eating too much during summer can be harmful. Chicken and mutton make your body produce more heat after you eat them. So chicken, which is lean, makes your body hotter than fattier meats. It's best to avoid foods like chicken that heat you up in summer.
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Also read: 5 Summer Coolers For Diabetic Patients
Spicy Food
Spicy food is beloved by many Indians, but some spices can overheat the body in summer's sweltering heat. Fiery ingredients like ginger, chilli peppers, cumin, nutmeg and black pepper are best avoided when temperatures soar. Fennel seeds, cardamom, coriander and cilantro infuse food with flavour minus the burn.
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By choosing spices wisely, you can enjoy delicious dishes without raising your body temperature. Stay cool in summer by reaching for these milder seasonings that don't turn up the heat.