07/07/2018
Eat to Beat the Heat!
Summer heat not only cuts into your workout and raises the risk of dehydration, it can wreak havoc on your appetite -- and your nutritional regimen. Elderly adults and young children are at a high risk of suffering from sky-rocketing temperatures, but there is a way to cool your body from the inside out - by eating plenty of cooling foods. Try adding these tasty items to your summer menus, they're natural, healthy, economical, and you don't even need to turn on the stove!- Cucumbers offer a refreshing option for a hot day! Filled with fiber and nutrients, they're a great way to increase your fiber and water intake at the same time. Add some mint to relieve the queeziness in the abdomen that can be caused by summer heat.
- Garlic has anti-platelet effects, which reduce blood clotting and will help you cool down. Garlic increases blood circulation, which allows the body to perspire and helps decrease body heat as it evaporates.
- Iced green tea is a great cooler and is an excellent source of antioxidants to protect your skin and prevent cancer!
- Citrus fruits are water-dense, sweet and delicious. They also pack a big punch when it comes to vitamin C, one of the body’s most commonly used antioxidants. Keep them in the refrigerator for a real treat on hot days.
- Spicy foods raise your internal temperature to match the temperature outside, which is actually great for a hot day. As with garlic, blood circulation increases, the body begins to perspire and evaporate, cooling off the body. You don't have to cook up a storm, try some salsa on your morning eggs or mix up a cool, spicy gazpacho!
- Watermelon is not only a great treat for a hot summer day, it's packed with antioxidants to fight inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
