Cooling foods

It’s August in Oklahoma. What does that mean? High temperatures and humidity with any kind of moisture. That leads to not wanting to cook and heat the kitchen. I know this week has been somewhat cooler, but temperatures are shooting right back up and it’s not going to be pretty with temps of 108° and a high heat index to go along with it. So, I thought I would provide some tips on how to stay cool using the foods you eat.

On super-hot summer days, you sweat more and therefore need more water intake. If you are like me though, drinking water can be hard sometimes. Luckily, we can eat our water too. Cucumber and celery are 95% water and a couple of the most hydrating foods you can eat. They also have natural vitamins and minerals already in them to help replenish what you are sweating out. Watermelon is another great choice. It’s 90% water with very little calories and I think it tastes better than cucumber. Tomatoes are another good choice. While hydrating, they also include antioxidants which protect your body from harm, including the UV rays from the sun. Avocados contain mono-saturated fatty acids, which can help to remove excess heat as well as toxins from your blood. Bananas may seem an odd choice but they contribute to the shrinking of your tissues, which actually allows for more water absorption. Pineapple and grapes also have a high water content and are good options.

Don’t forget the spices! Peppermint is extremely effective. It contains menthol which automatically provides a cooling effect you can feel almost instantly. Any spices with a bitter character are known for their cooling mojo. They reduce pain and swelling in the body. It also cleanses the liver juices and purifies the blood. Turmeric is a great example and it also contains curcumin, a chemical that is known for promoting healthy heart functions. Go easy on turmeric though, too much and it will have the opposite effect. Other cooling herbs include chamomile, lavender, lemongrass and chrysanthemum to name a few.

You may know natural yogurt can be used as a home remedy against sunburn by applying directly to your skin, plus it’s great for your complexion. It also has the same cooling effect from within your body. Dairy products such as yoghurt, quark, buttermilk or kefir cool you down from the inside out.

There are also some foods you should avoid as they naturally heat you up. Coffee and alcohol dehydrate the body and raise your temp from within. Cayenne pepper, ground pepper and mustard seeds are obvious heat sources, but so are cinnamon and ginger. While fruits are usually thought of as summer foods, not all are created equally. Mango, peach and cherries will all heat you up as well as peppers and pumpkin.

Make sure you eat lighter meals. The more you eat, the more energy, and therefore heat, your body has to produce to digest it. Don’t be afraid to eat several smaller meals a day instead of a couple large ones. You can still have a hot meal if you wish without turning on the oven. Bust out the slow cooker and let it cook away. It won’t heat the house near as badly and you don’t have to stand over it while it cooks. Better yet, use the air fryer or Instapot for a much quicker option.

This week, go for a lighter fare. If you don’t feel like one of these recipes, go looking for your own using an ingredient listed above. Strive to stay cool in the excessive temperature. Make your grocery list and stock up on a few ingredients. Then, meet me in the kitchen this week for recipes designed to keep the kitchen and you cool this summer!