Add these foods and drinks to your diet to keep you cool this summer

As the UK is experiencing a period of hot weather, many of us won’t feel like eating or drinking like normal, so we need to be consuming ingredients which help naturally lower our body heat. The key to cooling from the inside is eating water rich foods that keep you hydrated. One of the biggest risks of hot weather to our health is getting dehydrated.

Your body’s cells work much better and are less likely to make excess energy or heat when you are hydrated so this allows your body temperature to stay regulated. Dehydration also causes you to sweat less and sweating is important to keeping your body cool.

But there are certain foods and drinks that are especially hydrating to keep you cool, fit and healthy this summer!

Whether it be adding them to smoothies, salads or upgrading your breakfast. There are tons of different ingredients that are excellent for hot summer days. It’s also great to be able to get creative with your meals.

Nutritional experts at Exante has revealed the 5 best ingredients to help keep you cool this summer:

Coconut

Including coconut water in your drinks, whether that be as a part of a juicy smoothie adding it to a meal replacement shake is an excellent way to revitalise your body. Coconut is full of minerals, vitamins and electrolytes which make it a super way to rehydrate your body.

Watermelon

With a 92% water content, watermelon is one of the most water-heavy foods out there.

Due to the super high water content, watermelons have a very low-calorie density. Meaning you can enjoy lots of hydrating watermelon and its beneficial antioxidants when you need a refresher.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is another type of melon that is really water-rich but the benefits of this fruit do not stop there. Vibrant fruit and veggies are renowned for nourishing your body and cantaloupe is no exception. Being high in vitamin A, one cup of cantaloupe provides 120% of your daily needs!

Not only this, it's a super versatile ingredient that can be used in smoothies, salads, yoghurts or as a side on its own.

Strawberries

Strawberries are known for being a sweet and delicious treat but they have lots of hydrating qualities. Eating strawberries will contribute to your daily water intake. They are also fibre rich, full to the brim with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as manganese and vitamin C. Easily incorporate strawberries into your diet by adding them into smoothies and salads. They are also a great addition to ice-cold water on a hot day.

Chilli

Although eating spicy foods can feel like they warm you up, things like chilli can actually help to lessen your body temperature. It is believed that the capsaicin in chilli sends a signal to our brains that it’s overheated, this then causes a sweating reaction and sweating cools us down.

It is extremely important to hydrate with plenty of water when you have heat stress on a hot summer's day, however, there are other remedies you may not have considered. From water-rich foods to spicy ingredients, there are plenty of other ways to quickly lower your body heat.

If you’re trying to keep up with your weight loss throughout the summer, it can be hard to find things to eat and drink that keep you refreshed and your waistline trim, but with new products like fresh and fruity juiced meal replacement shakes, you can get the best of both worlds. Summery flavours such as peach and mango are perfect served over ice on a hot and sunny day, and best of all, you can drink it guilt-free.”