Eat light, healthy food to stay cool this summer: Doctors

NEW DEHLI: With the summer in full swing, doctors advise that apart from drinking lots of water, a special summer diet consisting of light and healthy food will ensure a cool mind and body.

Ritika Samadar, chief dietician at Max Hospital, said fluids with electrolytes like coconut water and lemonade should be consumed and oily foods must be avoided.

"In the summer, light food should be preferred which can be digested easily. So junk food like pizzas and burgers must be avoided," Samadar said.

Vijai KS Shukla, chairperson, Omega 3 Council of India, says that vegetables with high water content like onions, tomatoes and cucumbers should be regularly eaten as they will not only cool down the body but provide the daily quota of nutrition as well.

"For meat lovers, there is a delicious alternative to fried chicken and red meat - roasted or grilled fish. This has high amounts of fatty acids which are vital in helping to regulate blood pressure, immune responses and liver function," said Shukla.

Omega 3 Council of India is a non-profit trade and marketing association promoting intake of Omega 3 fatty acids for better all round health.

Some of the most beneficial food items during the summer, according to doctors, are:

Gooseberry (Amla): A great refresher that reverses the ageing effects caused by strong sun rays. It also provides extra stamina for gym sessions. It is especially beneficial for the heart and hair.

Apricot: These are very useful to people who develop acne in the summer as they provide the body with iron, vitamin C, potassium and fibre. They make a fantastic pre- or post-workout snack.

Cardamom: A cup of cardamom tea can work wonders for those who have been in the hot sun for long hours because of its detoxifying properties.

Corn: A good source of pantothenic acid, which provides vitamin B to lower stress levels. Corn in any form, whether it is roasted or boiled is a healthy snack as it lowers cholesterol levels.

Mango: Unripe mangoes can be steamed, peeled and mixed with cumin seeds and salt to make an effective remedy for heat strokes and exhaustion in summers.

Butter milk: A glass everyday to avoid dehydration and indigestion.

Curd and Yoghurt: This is a healthy alternative to ice-cream as it is packed with nutrients, vitamins and calcium, which can help soothe ulcers, allergies and heat boils during the summer.

Juices: Fresh fruit juices, including lemonade, help replenish the body of its lost fluids.

Correction: In an earlier version of the article, the word 'peel' was misspelled. The error has been rectified.