When it’s just blisteringly hot outside, you can feel like your body’s internal temperature lowered a few degrees just by including plant-based foods that keep you cool naturally.

What’s even better about these foods is that they’re already common summer staples, so you don’t have to go through the extra trouble of finding them! Which is key when you’re in the midst of a 95 degree heat wave in the middle of (insert your town here).

SNACK ON THESE FOODS THAT KEEP YOU COOL

#1 Red Grapes

These little ruby jewels are delicious in many ways. You can eat them by themselves as a snack. For an extra special treat, freeze them to use as sweet ice cubes in drinks.

#2 Cucumbers

Keep a bowl of cucumbers around during the summer months, and use them in your salads, green juices or as an accompaniment to your main entrée.

Spa Tip: Place two slices on your tired eyes for relief.

TURN THE HEAT DOWN BY SPICING IT UP

 

#3 & 4 Coriander and Fennel

Many spices naturally bring “warmth” to our body. Two spices that naturally bring “cool” to the body are coriander and fennel. Use these in cooking your summer dishes.

#5 Cilantro

(The leafy version of coriander) Don’t be afraid to sprinkle this herb over your meals for a refreshing kick! Read how Cilantro can detox your body of heavy metals with this yummy juice recipe.

COOLING DRINKS THAT MAKE YOU SAY “Ahhh….”

 

#6 Coconut Water

Not only will coconut water cool you down quickly, it will hydrate you and replace those precious minerals that we excrete in our sweat. The best way to enjoy this yummy nectar is to drink the water fresh from a young coconut. Many stores will cut them open for you if you ask nicely.

#7 Pomegranate Juice

Don’t be afraid to add a splash of fresh pomegranate juice to your water bottle! This will increase the electrolyte content on these ‘sweaty’ days, and give you delicious, ‘cooling’ water without the high sugar content of  juice alone.

#8 Watermelon Juice

Drink fresh watermelon juice and have a few slices in-between meals.

#9 Peppermint Tea

One of the mainstays of summer! Peppermint, or mentha piperita, is one of those herbs that EVERYBODY has memories of using in the summer in some way, shape, or form. One of the easiest ways to use it is by brewing peppermint tea. Now, it’s up to you as to whether you drink it cold or hot, or make it from fresh or dried leaves. However, you can’t deny the refreshing sensation as the minty goodness goes down your throat.

#10 Chrysanthemum Petals

The petals of this flower are great when used in tea form. The tea can assist with lowering internal temperature, as well as relieving heat symptoms such as tension headaches and throbbing gums. This tea can also counteract the heat from overconsumption of fried and barbecued foods.

Leave us a comment below and tell us if there are other drinks and foods that help keep you cool too.

About our guest contributor:

Dr. Karuna Sabnani is a Naturopathic Doctor & Beauty Expert who is based in New York City and is the founder of Karuna Naturopathic Healthcare. She has been in practice for over a decade and works with people both locally and internationally. According to her, the healing power of nature is central to naturopathic and ayurvedic philosophy. Instead of trying to attack specific symptoms of a disease, naturopathic doctors focus on cleansing and strengthening the body to address and prevent both chronic and acute disease. In addition to her general practice, Dr. Sabnani has been the health and beauty advisor to Iman Cosmetics and writes for the Huffington Post. She is also part of Illumé, a unique image consulting and wellness service that re-interprets the concept of personal styling. Knowing beauty is from the inside out, Dr. Sabnani is an expert in weight loss, hair health, digestive issues, energy renewal and skincare. karunanaturopathic.com

Photo of grapes by Christian Schnettelker. Photo of tea by S. Srikrishnan.