It’s summertime and most of us are craving or indulging in cold treats, like ice pops and craft beer, on a patio.
When the heat gets too much, we always try to cool down with whatever tricks we have acquired over the years. The obvious method is to drink water and hydrate, or beat the heat from the outside in by jumping into your West Vancouver friend’s pool.
A simpler solution, though, is simply incorporating cooling foods into your diet. There’s a reason why you are craving salads and watery veggies and fruits in the summer.
If we explore traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) we find out about yang and yin. If your body is overly yang (hot) you often have feelings of thirst, perspiration and even constipation, this means that getting foods that nourish your yin is of most importantance. Simply put, if you take a closer look at the above symptoms, they can all be signs of dehydration, so getting foods into to you that have a high water can help.
Enter cooling foods. Cooling foods not only help to detox your body and clear toxins, but they also help you beat the heat from the inside out. Cool off for the rest of the summer by adding these foods into your culinary repertoire.
Berries
They are in season now and taste great in many dishes. They have an alkalizing effect on the body and, according to Chinese medicine, generate a cool energy.
Leafy greens
Dark leafy greens are composed of mostly water (like, up to 95 per cent), so this makes them easily digestible, leaving a cooling feeling throughout your body as they pass your digestive system.
Sea veggies
Think nori or wakame. Not only are they extremely high in calcium and iron, they can also cool you down on hot days. Basically roll everything in nori and win summer.
Avocado
Not only is it a great source of good fat, but avocado nourishes yin in the body and has great cooling qualities. No wonder everyone craves guacamole on a hot summer day.
Melons
Melons are always delicious and refreshing, but they taste the best on a hot summer's day. Hey maybe if we all start eating melons, then summer will continue?
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
5 cups of watermelon, seeded and cubed
2 ripe avocados, seeded and cubed
1 bunch spinach
1 cup gorgonzola cheese
¼ cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tbs olive oil
1 tbs apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. Layer pecans on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool down before adding to salad.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together and serve on a warm summer’s day.
