Scientists Warn Against Cold Showers in UK Heatwaves: Health Risks Outweigh Benefits

Beat the Heat: Surprising Foods to Cool You Down

You might think spicy chili, tikka masala curry, or soup sound unappealing during a heatwave—but these dishes could actually help you stay cool! Here’s how:

The anti-inflammatory turmeric in tikka masala boosts circulation to cool the body.

Spicy Foods & Sweating
Hot meals like soup or chili trigger sweat, which evaporates and cools your body. Capsaicin in chilies tricks your brain into sensing heat, prompting more sweat. While it might feel counterintuitive, this natural cooling mechanism is key.

Evening soup leverages sweat evaporation as temperatures drop.

Hydrating Heroes

• Watermelon: Packed with water and citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels, improves circulation, and aids cooling.
• Coconut Milk: Found in Thai curries, it hydrates and combats heat-induced fatigue.

Watermelon’s citrulline helps blood vessels dilate for better cooling.

Anti-Inflammatory Allies

• Turmeric: Curcumin, its active compound, reduces inflammation and enhances blood flow.
• Onions: Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to prevent heatstroke by cooling the body.

Cooling Add-Ons

• Mint: Offers an instant cooling sensation.
• Spinach: Rich in minerals that regulate blood pressure and temperature.

Foods to Avoid
Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy advises minimizing heavy proteins (like chicken) and carbs (rice, grains). Digesting these generates metabolic heat, making you feel warmer. Opt for plant-based meals instead—they’re easier to break down.

Final Tip: Stay hydrated, embrace spices, and let sweat work its natural magic!

(Images and insights sourced from Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy via JustEat.)

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