By Dipti Nair

It’s hot, it’s really hot in Qatar right now. The summer heat takes a toll on your health causing dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion, irritability, mood swings and difficulties in concentration. The body struggles to regulate temperature during extreme heat and this can aggravate existing or underlying health problems. While it is essential to stay away from the heat and be indoors as much as possible during this time, it is also important to cool your body from the inside to prevent the many negative effects of heat.  You don’t have to go far to find ways to cool yourself, some of the best ways to beat the heat might already be in your kitchen! While you may be aware of some of the common cooling foods, here are a few unusual ones that can help you stay refreshed and invigorated during the hottest months of the year.

Mint

Mint not just adds a fresh burst of flavor to your dishes, but it also acts as a natural coolant. It not just helps to reduce body temperature but also helps in digestion, relieves nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Whether added to drinks or dishes, mint’s cooling effect can help lower body temperature, providing instant relief from the heat.

Chili

No, we haven’t added this here by mistake. Chili peppers can actually help to lower your body temperature. Capsaicin, a key ingredient found in chili peppers, sends a message to the brain that your body is overheating and sweating more than usual, thereby producing a cooling effect.

Chamomile

This gentle herb has a cooling effect on the body, calms you down, aids the digestive system and help you sleep better. Its soothing properties can reduce inflammation, rashes, insect bites, and even cuts and scrapes. Chamomile is an antioxidant and can help soothe skin inflammation from sunburn and heat rashes.

Beetroot

Beetroots are a good source of potassium, a mineral that contains electrolytes that can keep your body hydrated and cool. Rich in antioxidants, and natural nitrates, beetroot helps improve blood flow, keeping your body cool and hydrated. Mixed with carrot, it makes a delicious and cooling juice. It is also perfect for salads and smoothies.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not just for your face. It’s a natural cooling agent and while it provides sunburn relief for your skin, it can also help soothe your digestive tract and reduce internal heat. Blend aloe vera gel with cucumber or mint for the perfect cooling, summer beverage.

Onions

Surprised? Yes, the humble onion can also help cool you down. Onions have quercetin and sulfur which stimulates sweating, regulates body temperature and cools you down. Quercetin also fights histamines, which are chemicals that trigger allergies like rashes and insect bites. Cook them up or have them raw in salads for that cooling crunch.

Green Cardamom

This small, aromatic spice is a staple in Middle Eastern Cuisine. It helps with digestion and has cooling properties that can lower your body temperature. Having a slight sweet flavor, green cardamom can be used in teas, desserts, rice preparations and savory dishes. Powder and mix it with milk for a cooling summer drink.

Coriander

Coriander, or cilantro, has cooling properties that can tone down body heat. It can also help in digestion. It’s a versatile herb that can be added to salads, chutneys, and smoothies to help you stay cool. Coriander powder and seeds are also packed with nutrition and can added to your dishes for flavor and cooling.

Avacado

Avacados are true superfoods. Packed with mono-saturated fatty acids, they help remove the heat and toxins from the blood. They are also easily digested, so your body will not need to create more heat to digest them. Enjoy these delicious fruits in salads, on toast, or in smoothies for a cooling effect.

Incorporate these foods into your meals and enjoy a deliciously refreshing summer season!

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