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Beat the Heatwave with These Cooling Foods
You might think spicy chili, tikka masala curry, or hot soup are odd choices for staying cool in a heatwave. Surprisingly, these foods can help your body regulate temperature. Here’s how to eat smart when temperatures soar:
1. Spicy Foods Trigger Cooling Sweat
Despite their heat, dishes like chili or curry stimulate sweating. Capsaicin in chili peppers tricks your brain into thinking you’re overheating, prompting sweat production. As sweat evaporates, it cools your skin. Similarly, hot soups in the evening leverage this effect—sweating as temperatures drop helps dissipate body heat.
2. Turmeric’s Anti-Inflammatory Power
Tikka masala, rich in turmeric, is another summer winner. Curcumin, its active compound, boosts circulation, helping your body cool efficiently. Turmeric also reduces inflammation, which can worsen in extreme heat.
3. Hydrate with Watermelon
Watermelon’s 92% water content makes it ideal for hydration. It also contains citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels, improving circulation and cooling you down.
4. Cooling Herbs and Veggies
- Mint: Its menthol creates a refreshing sensation, tricking your body into feeling cooler.
- Spinach: High in magnesium and potassium, it regulates blood pressure and hydration.
- Onions: Used in Ayurvedic medicine, they combat heatstroke by cooling internal organs.
5. Coconut Milk for Hydration
Found in Thai curries, coconut milk provides electrolytes like potassium, preventing dehydration and muscle cramps in scorching weather.
Foods to Avoid
Nutritionist Daniel O’Shaughnessy warns against heavy proteins (e.g., chicken) and carb-rich meals (e.g., rice). Digesting these generates metabolic heat, making you feel hotter. Opt for lighter plant-based dishes, which require less energy to break down.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace spicy foods and soups to promote sweat-induced cooling.
- Prioritize hydrating ingredients like watermelon and coconut milk.
- Avoid meat and carbs that strain digestion.
By choosing the right meals, you can stay cool and refreshed even during the hottest days!
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