When we start nearing the end of summer, many people are looking for ways to combat the heat.

What You Need To Know

  • The hottest weather is usually seen in July and August

  • Certain foods can help your body cool off

  • Look for super-hydrating foods when your body is overheating

We have now reached that part of summer when you start to really see those hot and humid conditions in full effect. With highs in the 90s, dew points near 80, and heat index values in the triple-digits, I’ll try anything to stay cool.

My initial thought on these unbearably hot days is to stock my fridge with popsicles, because eating something cold will of course help me cool off.

But does this actually work? I decided to do a little research to see if eating a certain food could actually help cool you off. And indeed, there are some foods that will do the job.

Fruits

Most people will automatically add watermelon to the list because of how much water is trapped inside each bite. I mean, watermelon is made up of 90% water, so this fruit will definitely help you stay hydrated.

But watermelon also contains some other beneficial nutrients, such as choline which helps minimize body inflammation.

Vitamin C-rich foods will boost your blood flow and metabolism, helping you maintain your body’s internal, and external, temperature.

Vegetables

When it’s really hot outside, I always crave a crisp salad.

Vegetables, such as iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, and celery, are other foods that have a high water content.

Spicy Foods

Now I now this one seems a little bit odd, but after I read the explanation, it makes sense!

Sure, initially, your mouth is going to be set on fire (depending on how spicy of a hot pepper you reach for).

But after that initial bite kicks in, your body’s natural reaction is to start to sweat. And sweating is your body’s attempt to help cool you off.

So even though it may make you hotter initially, in the long run, it’ll help cool you down.

Peppermint

Mint has an immediate cooling effect, so not a bad idea to pack some mints or gum if you plan to be outside.

Milk and honey

Apparently this is a home remedy that helps reduce your body heat; just add a teaspoon of honey to a cold glass of milk.

And of course the number one way to stay cool is to keep grabbing for that water bottle.​