Are cold foods comfortable or hot foods during Summer?

There is a belief that hot foods eg. piping hot coffee,tea,soups are efficacious in summer because they induce perspiration which leaves the person feeling cooler.This is a myth.Taking hot foods to reduce body temperature will not only make you uncomfortable because of the heat but the sweat makes you feel worse.
Cold foods should be eaten,yes as well as no.While cold beverages and salads are comfortable in consuming, food that has been kept aside for many hours at room temperature might harbour bacteria.Food borne illnesses are an all time high in summer.The danger zone for rapid multiplication of bacteria is 4 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Spicy foods are also believed to be beneficial in beating heat.Though this is not true,spicy foods can get the gastric juices flowing and improve appetite in summer.Some Asian cuisines have spicy soups served cold-double benefit perhaps.
    Summer foods need to give energy and hydration.
Load yourself with water filled varieties of fruits and vegetables. Eat plenty of gourd and leafy veggies-bottle gourd,ridge gourd,snake gourd,mint..
Enjoy melons,tomatoes,mangoes and other summer fruits.Drink coconut water,lime juice,buttermilk.
Use sprouts as they are high in moisture content.
Drink lots of water.
Avoid fatty foods eg.fries,meat as they are difficult to digest.
Caffeinated beverages and alcohol are dehydrating.

Foods and drinks that will keep you energized and cool during Summer!

Foods to include in diet during Summer everyday:

1)Buttermilk

Add some roasted cumin,along with coriander leaves to buttermilk to make it tastier.
Buttermilk helps digestive system run smoothly.


2)Tomato

Tomatoes are natural sunscreens protecting skin from sunrays.
You can include them in salads or regular meals.

3)Watermelon

Watery fruits like watermelon are tastier substitutes of hydrating us with water during Summer.


4)Yogurt

Yogurt has cooling effect on stomach and keeps check on calories as it is low in fat.Combine low fat yogurt with fresh berries for summer smoothie.
Yogurt is high in protein.


5)Cucumber

Rightly said "cool as a cucumber".
Sprinkle cucumber with salt and pepper,or take it as a juice.


6)Orange

Citrus fruits work well during Summer. They are high in fibre,vitamin C and provide necessary sugar to body.


7)Coconut Water

Coconut water quenches thirst.It also has several health benefits. The juice has sugar,electrolytes and minerals to replenish hydration in body.


8)Sugarcane Juice

To retain water in body have a glass of sugarcane juice.It also cools the body.
As it has sugar,don't add extra sugar to juice.