JOIN USWith temperatures soaring, Bangaloreans need to be careful about what they eat and drink to keep themselves hydrated and stay healthy this summer.
Doctors say that one should drink a lot of water and have fresh fruits and juices so that one’s immunity builds up.
“The temperature is rising and it is important that people drink plenty of water instead of fizzy drinks and soda. Drinking water helps in cooling the body down. Watermelon is a delicious and health-building fruit.
It contains large quantities of easily assimilable sugar. Being an alkaline fruit, it can be easily enjoyed by all.The juice of the fruit is rich in vitamin A, B and C and not only quenches thirst but is also beneficial for combating hypertension,” says Anuja, a dietician.
She adds that summer fruits make for the healthiest snack or dessert ideas. They are highly nutritious and have an abundant supply of fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, which help in boosting one’s metabolism, strengthen the immune system, protect from cancer and improve the overall health.
Fruits like strawberries are extremely high in vitamin C, they are powerful antioxidants, provide natural sun protection and prevent cold, flu and other infections. Strawberries are high in fibre, vitamins A, E and B, manganese and essential flavonoids that protect one from cancer.
Papaya is another fruit which is extremely beneficial during summer. It can be eaten raw or cooked. Papaya is extremely high in vitamins A and C, folate and other phytochemicals, which makes it a powerfully anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous and anti-stress food. It is known forcontaining papain, an enzyme, that can help treat ingestion and other gastro-intestinal diseases which are common in summer.
Dr Chandil Kumar Gunashekhara, a general physician, says that flu, gastro-intestinal and skin diseases are very common in summer and hence, it is essential that people eat the right kind of food.
“It is best to choose refreshing, fresh fruits such as watermelon, grapefruit, oranges and strawberries instead of normal snacks like a bag of chips. The water and vitamins in fruits is much better than the sodium in these kinds of foods.
Also, chilled or ice-cold drinks are harmful because they disrupt digestion,” he says Jyoti, a home-maker, says that she tries to include a lot of fruits and juices in the diet of the family. “I avoid making very spicy and deep-fried dishes during summer as they cause digestive problems.
Cucumber and carrot salads are a must during lunch and dinner and I try to drink green tea and fresh juices to hydrate myself,” she notes.
Some say that drinking traditional home-made juices such as bel sharbat, aam panna and lassi refreshes and cools the body. “I make sure that I order an aam panna, instead of a cold drink, whenever I visit a restaurant in summer.
It is excellent for the kind of heat that we experience in Bangalore and is a delicious option. Lassi is also very helpful. A glass of chilled lassi keeps me going the whole day,” says Arpit, a student.