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Extreme heat can have a substantial influence on health, causing a variety of difficulties. High temperatures put significant strain on your cardiovascular and cooling systems. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, and worsen pre-existing medical issues. The elderly, children, and those suffering from chronic ailments are especially vulnerable. Diet is an efficient strategy of combating excessive heat. The traditional Indian cuisine includes a variety of desi components with cooling characteristics that naturally reduce internal body heat. Unlike ice-cold products, which freeze your digestion, these substances operate systemically to safely reduce your core body temperature.
Desi Indian ingredients that cool down your body from the inside out
1. Gond katira
Gond katira looks like hard crystal that is famous for its powerful body-cooling properties and is frequently used to make summer beverages and desserts. Gond katira is soaked before using. You can take 3-4 pieces and soak them in a glass of water for at least 5-6 hours. It swells into a translucent jelly which can be added to sharbats and other cooling summer treats.
2. Sabja seeds
Sabja seeds, also known as basil seeds, look like chia seeds. These tiny black seeds are great for hydration as they can absorb water and swell up, helping cool the body. They are also known for aiding digestion and can be sprinkled on drinks or desserts. You can also add these to lemon water or other summer drinks.
3. Sattu
Sattu is an excellent source of protein and energy. It helps in keeping the body cool and can be consumed as a refreshing drink. It’s nutritious and helps in keeping the stomach satisfied, reducing the urge to overeat in the heat. Sattu is typically mixed into cold water with a pinch of rock salt, which keeps the stomach light and full while resisting external heatwaves.
4. Barley or jau
Barley is a great grain to include in summer as it’s rich in fibre and helps keep you hydrated. Cooking or boiling barley grains in water creates a powerful cooling diuretic liquid that helps clear internal heat by actively regulating fluid balance.
5. Saunf
Often used as a mouth freshener, fennel seeds are extremely cooling to the digestive tract. Chewing them post-meals or drinking saunf-infused water subdues stomach burning and internal acid build-up.
6. Dhaniya seeds
Dhaniya, or coriander seeds, is a highly underrated cooling spice. Soaking coriander seeds in water overnight and then drinking the water clears systemic body heat from the inside out.
7. Pudina
Rich in natural menthol, pudina triggers sensory receptors that signal a cooling sensation to the brain while easing summer nausea. They can be used in salads, drinks, or as a garnish to add flavour and enhance digestion.
8. Elaichi
Green cardamom is an aromatic spice that has cooling properties and can aid in digestion. It also acts as a gentle detoxifier that aids the breakdown of food without producing excessive metabolic heat.
9. Gulkand
Gulkand is one of the most potent Ayurvedic heat-busters. Consuming a single teaspoon of gulkand actively reduces body heat and sun sensitivity.
As the heat rises, incorporating these cooling items into daily meals will help people stay hydrated and cope with the challenges of high heat.
(Disclaimer: The article’s advice and recommendations are meant primarily as general information and should not be interpreted as expert medical advice. Before beginning any exercise program or making any dietary changes, always get advice from your doctor or a dietitian.)
