10 Foods to Help You Cool Down on a Hot Day

When the heat starts to make you sweat, some people like to head to the freezer aisle of their local grocery store in search of ice cream, popsicles and other cold treats that can help them cool down. But what if you want to stay cool while staying healthy? Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious, nutritious foods out there that can keep you cool on even the hottest days, while providing your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to keep going strong all summer long. Here are 10 of our favorites!

1) Watermelon

Watermelon is one of my favorite summer foods. In addition to being hydrating, it contains small amounts of essential amino acids and several trace minerals that are great for your body. The best way to eat watermelon in hot weather is by serving it chilled or freezing it. Slice up some watermelon, add mint and lime juice, and you’ve got yourself an iced treat with some hidden health benefits!

2) Cantaloupe

Eating cantaloupe is one of my favorite ways to stay cool in summer. First, it’s hydrating—which is essential for beating those summer heat waves. Second, since it doesn’t have a particularly strong flavor or scent, I can eat an entire slice of cantaloupe without worrying about ruining my breath or getting melon juice all over my clothes. The slightly sweet taste is also refreshing after a long day of work or play.

3) Blueberries

These little blue powerhouses are as healthy as they are delicious. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, blueberries can help your body stay cool in any summer heat. When it’s hot outside, try topping your salad with these antioxidant-packed berries—or add them to your morning smoothie for an extra hit of antioxidants.

4) Peaches

Peaches are one of our favorite summer fruits. And, when you’re sweating during a heat wave, they can be your best friend. Low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, peaches help keep us hydrated while still satisfying our sweet tooth. For summer gardening enthusiasts, check out How to Garden in the Summer Heat: Watering Your Plants

5) Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit is one of our favorite summer fruits. Kiwis are super hydrating foods to beat summer heat and naturally high in vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients. Plus, they come in cute little brown peels that make them seem almost healthy!

6) Honeydew Melon

The best food for beating summer heat? Watermelon. How do you know it’s good for you? It’s got 96% water and only 80 calories per cup. But watermelon is one of those fruits that are even better when mixed with other things, like honeydew melon.

7) Mango

Mango is rich in vitamin C, which plays an important role in keeping your immune system healthy. It’s also high in fiber, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied after you eat it. In addition, mangos are one of nature’s best sources of beta-carotene (it’s so good for you that it has its own name: mangiferin). The antioxidant power found in mango fruit helps fight inflammation and protect your cells from damage.

8) Grapefruit

Not only does grapefruit have high water content, but it’s loaded with vitamin C, which can help cool you down when temperatures soar. Plus, research suggests that eating citrus can make you feel fuller than other fruits, so if you’re trying to stick to your diet in hot weather—or anytime—it might be your best bet. (Make sure it’s raw: Cooking or processing typically removes much of its vitamin C content.)

9) Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, like spinach and arugula, are known for their high concentrations of water and fiber. When you eat them—and other foods that contain lots of water—you’ll feel fuller longer. Plus, they keep your body cool in two ways: The dark-green pigments act as sunblock against harmful ultraviolet rays, while also keeping your skin hydrated from within. Another cooling benefit?

10) Broccoli

Besides being rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli is also packed with fiber, which helps you feel full after eating it. It’s also got compounds called indoles, which may help prevent cancer. The best way to eat broccoli is raw, or lightly steamed with little or no added oil.