COOLING and CLEANSING in the Summer Months

Cooling Foods: How They Work and Why They’re Essential

• Fighting The Heat : During hot weather, the body works harder to regulate temperature, leading to potential dehydration and fatigue. Cooling foods help cool the body from the inside out by hydrating and providing nutrients that naturally lower body temperature.
• Alkaline In Nature: The cooling effect comes from foods that are high in water content, low in calories, and often alkaline in nature. These foods support thermoregulation by balancing body fluids and reducing internal heat.

Top 5 Cooling Foods and Their Benefits

1. Cucumber: High in water content (around 95%), cucumbers are incredibly hydrating and refreshing. They help flush out toxins and cool the body from within.
2. Celery: Another high-water-content vegetable, celery is also rich in electrolytes, aiding in replenishment and hydration.
3. Watermelon: Known for its juicy sweetness, watermelon is packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, and contains lycopene, which supports skin health and hydration.
4. Mint: Often used as a cooling herb, mint not only refreshes the palate but also provides relief from overheating and aids digestion.
5. Coconut Water: Rich in natural electrolytes, coconut water helps rehydrate and replenish the body while providing a cooling effect.

Cooling Summer Salad Recipe

Here’s an easy, refreshing salad to beat the heat. It features cooling foods to nourish and refresh the body.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped watermelon
• 1/2 cup microgreens or spinach
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (optional for a spicy kick)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cucumber, celery, microgreens, and diced jalapeño. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then give it one final toss. Serve chilled, and enjoy the magic of cooling foods working their wonders.