With the scorching heat, it is quite tempting to reach out for an ice cream or a cold sweetened beverage to beat the heat. However, these foods can be exceedingly hazardous to your health. In fact, research has shown that the processed fizzy cold drinks and ice cream might interfere with your body's cooling mechanism. The dangers of heat stroke, acidity, electrolyte loss and low energy must be mitigated by proper nutrition. 

While you can't control the summer heat, you can definitely try to keep your body cool with the right foods. Besides drinking plenty of water, here are some healthy foods that can help you cope with the harsh weather while avoiding summer health problems-

1. Cucumber- This humble vegetable not only benefits your skin, but it also helps to flush out the toxins from the body and promotes digestion. It is best to have  cucumber on an empty stomach, especially before lunch. This is owing to the fact that it has Deepan (appetiser) properties.
   
   
   
2. Watermelon- This delicious and refreshing summer fruit is best to keep your body’s hydration requirements in check. It not only provides a long-lasting cooling effect, but is rich in lycopene, antioxidants, Vitamins A, B6, and C, potassium and amino acids. You can have watermelon as a snack or early in the morning. Do not mix it with any other fruit or food.  
   
   
   
3. Coconut water- It is not just hydrating but is also rich in essential minerals. This helps to maintain the electrolyte balance in the body, which is often wiped out due to sweating. It is also rejuvenating for the skin. You can have coconut water at any time of the day.
   
   
   
4. Onions- Contrary to popular belief, onions have cooling effects. It protects you from sun stroke. 
   
   
   
5. Curd- This is a summer must-have since it has a cooling impact on the body. You can also enjoy it in the form of lassi or buttermilk. It is best to have this during the day-time. 
   
   
   
   
6. Mint and lemon- Mint is a cooling herb, and lemon is hydrating, cooling, detoxifies the body and boosts immunity. Both together make an extremely refreshing summer drink. 
   
   
   
7. Berries- All berries have a cooling impact on the body, whether it's a strawberry, blackberry, raspberry or cranberry. You can add them to your fruit bowl or make it into a health drink. Berries should be consumed one hour before or two hours after a meal.
   
   
   
8. Aloe vera- Two tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel functions as a body coolant. It possesses anti-inflammatory effects that aid in body temperature regulation throughout the summer. Svaa.life Effortlessly Rejuvenating Detox Shot helps you to get the goodness of aloe vera in the tastiest and easiest-to-consume way. Aloe vera should be consumed on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to maximize its health benefits. 
   
   
   
9. Fennel seeds- It is one of the most effective ways to reduce internal body heat. It is recommended to soak a handful of fennel seeds in water overnight, filter it the next morning, and drink the water to reduce body heat. You can also have it in the form of coriander-cumin-fennel (CCF) tea.
   
   
   
10. Celery- Celery has high water content. It is also rich in antioxidants that help detoxify the skin and slow down the effects of ageing. 

You can even make cold infused waters with some of these cooling items! Try these yummy summer foods to help you to stay cool and beat the heat in a natural way!