9 Superfoods That Keep You Cool in Hot Weather

Summer on the Eastern Shore mean can mean sweltering heat and humidity, making it essential to find ways to stay cool. While an ice cream cone or a cold beer might seem like the perfect remedy, they can actually leave you feeling hotter and more dehydrated. On the other hand, certain foods can actually help cool your system and keep you refreshed. Here’s a look at some summer-friendly foods and why they work to beat the heat.

Watermelon: The Hydration Hero

Watermelon is composed of about 92% water, making it one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. Its high water content helps keep you hydrated, and it’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which support overall health.

How to Enjoy: Eat it fresh, blend it into a refreshing smoothie, or add it to salads for a hydrating boost.

Cucumber: Nature’s Chill Pill

Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of mostly water (around 95%), which helps keep you hydrated. They also contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin and reduce swelling.

How to Enjoy: Slice cucumbers into salads, use them as a base for a chilled soup, or simply munch on them as a crunchy snack.

Mint: The Natural Cooler

Mint contains menthol, which activates cold-sensitive receptors in the skin and mouth, creating a cooling sensation. This makes it an excellent herb to include in your summer diet, particularly when eaten fresh.

How to Enjoy: Add fresh mint leaves to your drinks, sprinkle them over fruit salads, or blend them into smoothies for a refreshing twist.

Coconut Water: Nature’s Electrolyte Drink

Coconut water is packed with natural electrolytes like potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body and prevent dehydration. It’s a great alternative to sugary sports drinks.

How to Enjoy: Drink it straight from the coconut, or buy bottled coconut water to keep in the fridge for a quick, cooling beverage.

Citrus Fruits: Zesty and Refreshing

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C and have a high water content, helping you stay hydrated. Their tangy taste also provides a refreshing burst of flavor that can help combat the heat.

How to Enjoy: Squeeze fresh citrus juice into your water, add slices to salads, or create a citrusy salsa to top grilled fish or chicken.

Yogurt: Cooling and Nutritious

Yogurt is a cooling food due to its high water content and probiotic nature, which can help maintain gut health and digestion during the hot months. It also provides a good amount of protein and calcium.

How to Enjoy: Eat it plain or with fresh fruit, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a base for chilled soups and dips.

Leafy Greens: Light and Hydrating

Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and arugula are a hidden source of hydration, which is crucial in hot weather because you can’t cool off by sweating if you’re dehydrated. They’re also light on the stomach, making them perfect for hot weather.

How to Enjoy: Toss them into salads, blend them into green smoothies, or use them as a base for wraps and sandwiches.

Berries: Sweet and Hydrating

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in water content and packed with antioxidants. They are light and refreshing, making them perfect for summer snacking.

How to Enjoy: Add them to your morning cereal, blend them into smoothies, or enjoy them as a simple, fresh snack.

Chiles and Spicy Peppers: The Surprising Coolers

It might seem counter-intuitive, but spicy foods like chiles and peppers can actually help cool you down. The heat generated when eating these foods causes you to sweat, and as the sweat evaporates, it triggers your body’s natural cooling mechanisms.

How to Enjoy: Add sliced chiles to your salads, incorporate spicy peppers into salsas, or use them to spice up your favorite summer dishes.

By incorporating these cooling foods into your diet, you can help your body stay hydrated and refreshed. Remember, hydration is key, so always pair these foods with plenty of water to keep your body at its best.

At Urgent Care of Fairhope, we’re here to support your health and well-being through every season. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and enjoy a delicious, refreshing summer! If you experience summer ailments like severe sunburn, dehydration, illness or injury, visit our walk-in clinic six days per week for fast and friendly medical care. Check our waitlist online to see how quickly you could be seen!