This summer, keep your cool

With the summers getting increasingly harsher, there’s no escaping the sweltering heat. When the weather is humid, downing a glass of chilled cola sure sounds refreshing, but is it healthy

While you can’t keep the sun at bay, what you can do is invest in a few tricks to keep your cool. These penny-saving tips could help. Sabja for instance helps keep your body temperature low and aam panna gives you an instant dose of energy. Nutritionists we spoke to share a few ingredients that work as summer coolers.

Karishma Chawla Oranges Oranges are rich in potassium, which are an essential nutrient for the body. If you are someone who works out regularly, it helps prevent muscle cramps during workouts. Oranges also contain up to 80 percent water, so this helps you keep hydrated when you’re on the go. However, consume this only till mid morning. Buttermilk is another healthy filler and can be had at any time of the day. Karishma Chawla is a nutritionist

Kanchan Patwardhan Aam panna Aam panna is an instant source of energy. A good source of Vitamin C, this summer cooler helps prevent heat strokes. However, diabetics should stay away from it since it has a high dose of sugar. For those who are watching their weight or diabetic, coconut water can be consumed without guilt. Another added bonus is that it also helps keep blood pressure in check. Sip on coconut water through the day to stay hydrated. Kanchan Patwardhan is a clinical nutritionist consultant of Arogya Hospital

Khushboo Sahijwani Cucumbers Cucumbers have high water content, and hence helps stay one hydrated for a long time. You could have it as a snack, or just add it to your yoghurt to make raita. Summers are the best season to indulge in fresh, seasonal fruits. Choose fruits in various colours to get your daily dose of vitamins and anti-oxidants. You could include kiwis, berries, a slice or two mangoes, watermelons and pineapples. Khushboo Sahijwani is a nutritionist

Dhvani Shah: Basil seeds or Sabja seeds Basil seeds or sabja seeds as they are popularly called here, absorb the body heat and cool down the system instantly. Add 1-teaspoon of seeds in a glass of water. Drink it after 15 minutes. You could also add it to lemon juice. These black and tear-shaped seeds (not to be confused with chia seeds) are rich in fibre, calcium, magnesium folic acid and vitamin E. Dhvani Shah is a nutritionist at The FIMS Diet Clinic

Tripti Gupta A concoction of aloe vera and lime juice with honey Make a concentrate of 1/2-cup honey, 2 teaspoon of aloe vera juice and 2 teaspoons of lime juice and few crushed mint leaves. Add some cold water to make a glassful— it works magically to beat the heat. It’s a naturally detoxifying drink. This combination makes the drink extremely alkaline and when sipped with cold water, it detoxifies the system and reduces heat substantially from the body. Tripti Gupta is a nutritionist