Just chill with cooling fruits

As the sun shines overhead, and the scorching heat makes you cry out in frustration, there are some foods that will help you cool down. Nature, naturally offers foods seasonally.

If we make good use of the foods that nature offers us, beating the summer heat gets a lot easier.

Raw mango : It is a myth that it is fattening and has about 44 kcal per 100gm. They are rich in natural sugar, in other words glucose, which is the fuel for our energy, releasing it for a longer time.

Here is how mangoes will help you:

• Rich in carotene and vitamin A that protects the eyes especially in case of macular degeneration.
• Good source of carbohydrates
• Mangoes are high in fibre, preventing constipation
• Mangoes are rich in calcium and iron
• The sufficient quantity of niacin which is useful to lower cholesterol.
• It is also a good source of vitamin B1 and B2
• It is an alkaline food so it is excellent for acidity.
• It’s an anti-oxidant with anti-virus, anti-cardiovascular and anti-cancer properties.
• Prevent cholera, anemia and tuberculosis
• Rich source of anti-oxidants that help to prevent premature aging.
• High in Vitamin C, so increases immunity.

Coconut water: Rightly called the ‘fluid of life’, coconut is a wonder food. Tender coconut water is the natural isotonic beverage with almost the same level of electrolyte balance as we have in our blood.

Here is how it is excellent for the summer:

• Oral rehydration medium.
• Keeps the body cool.
• Applying it on body prevents prickly heat and summer boils.
• Excellent diuretic (a substance which tends to increase flow of urine)
• Can be used as a blood plasma substitute as it is sterile, pyrogen-free and does not produce heat.
• A useful source of iron and fibre.
• Easy to digest.

Watermelons: Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day; this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis.

Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, notably through its concentration of beta-carotene. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidants, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage.

Melons : A Chinese herbal claims that melons cool fevers, moisten the lungs, and benefit the urine. In addition, the seeds will clear phlegm and benefit the intestines. Melons are also prescribed to relieve tuberculosis cough and constipation. For a tooth ache caused by wind and heat, take six grams of melon skin; add water and steam till cooked. Eat them on their own or they may cause gas.

Cucumber: Being almost negligible in calorie count, cucumbers make one of the most refreshing and light summer fruits.

Here is how it helps you:

• Increases flow of urine and eliminates uric acid
• Excellent soothing agent for the skin — a sure shot way to radiant skin
• High in potassium
• Naturally increases water (diuretic) and fibre content in the body
• Cucumber helps cool down blood pressure
• Has the power to relax sunburn pain
• Reduces heat and inflammation