Chennai’s scorching summer can be unbearable, making it essential to stay cool and hydrated. The best way to combat the hot and humid weather is by consuming the right foods that help reduce body heat naturally. Here are some of the best summer-friendly foods to include in your diet this season.
1. Tender Coconut Water
Tender coconut water is nature’s perfect summer drink. It is rich in electrolytes, prevents dehydration, and instantly cools down the body. Drinking fresh coconut water in summer replenishes lost fluids and keeps you energized.
2. Buttermilk (Neer Mor)
A staple in South Indian cuisine, buttermilk or neer mor is a probiotic-rich drink that aids digestion and cools the body. Adding curry leaves, coriander, ginger, and a pinch of salt enhances its benefits.
3. Nannari Sherbet
Nannari syrup (Indian sarsaparilla) mixed with cold water or lime juice is a traditional Tamil Nadu summer cooler. It helps prevent heat strokes, improves digestion, and keeps the body cool in summer.
4. Watermelon
With over 90% water content, watermelon is the best summer fruit to keep you hydrated. It is also packed with vitamins A and C, which are great for skin health in summer.
5. Cucumber
Cucumber is a cooling food that helps detox the body and reduce body heat naturally. Eating raw cucumber or adding it to summer salads can keep you refreshed.
6. Sugarcane Juice
A popular summer drink in Chennai, sugarcane juice is a natural energy booster. It helps hydrate the body, replenishes minerals lost in summer, and improves digestion.
7. Curd (Thayir)
Curd or yogurt is an excellent probiotic food that cools the stomach and aids digestion in hot weather. It can be consumed plain, mixed with rice (thayir sadam), or prepared as a refreshing summer smoothie.
8. Mint and Coriander Drinks
Mint and coriander have natural cooling properties. A simple homemade juice with blended mint, coriander, lemon, and honey provides relief from summer heat.
9. Musk Melon
This refreshing summer fruit is packed with hydrating nutrients. Eating musk melon as a snack or blending it into a cooling juice helps regulate body temperature in hot weather.
10. Ice Apples (Nungu)
A popular Tamil Nadu summer fruit, nungu (Ice Apple) hydrates the body, improves digestion, and prevents heat exhaustion. It’s widely available in Chennai’s local markets during peak summer.
11. Lemon Juice (Nimbu Pani)
A glass of lemon juice (nimbu pani) with a pinch of salt and sugar is one of the best ways to stay hydrated. It restores electrolytes and prevents dehydration in hot weather.
12. Green Tea with Mint
While hot drinks may seem counterintuitive, green tea with mint helps cool the body internally, improves digestion, and boosts metabolism.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated in summer and consuming the right cooling foods is essential to survive the hot Chennai weather. Including these best summer foods in your diet can help reduce body heat, keep you refreshed, and prevent heat-related illnesses.