Beat the heat: Summer food in Oman

Summer is upon us and the moment you step out of the confines of your homes and the air conditioners you feel the intensity of the soaring temperature. While there are plenty of ways to beat the heat why not eat some of the fresh summer fruits to beat the heat. These seasonal fruits and vegetables help us to lower our body temperature, keep us hydrated for long owing to its high water content.
Health experts say that since summer fruits like grapes, peaches, berries, watermelon, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits like oranges have high water content and are also packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants to boost our health especially during the summer months. Time to incorporate these fruits into your diet.
Watermelon
You can call it a summer staple fruit. Laden with vitamins A and C, and packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that helps in prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, and also potassium, watermelon is the best fruit to have during the summer months as it keeps our body well hydrated. So sink your teeth into this refreshing, juicy fruit.
Cucumber
We all know how important it is to be ‘cool as a cucumber’ in life, the idiom that actually gets its name from the cooling properties of cucumber. There are myriad benefits of eating cucumber. While its high water content makes it an ideal summer vegetable, it is known to be very low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin B and other minerals, and helps to flush the toxins out of our body.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes, are among the most cooling of all fruits. They aren’t just refreshing but also functions as antioxidants and are full of vitamin C. A chilled glass of lemon water helps to cleanse the system.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in potassium. The soft, juicy pulp of cantaloupe is low in calories and since it is 89 per cent water, it’s ideal fruit for the hot and sticky summer months. Ward off dehydration during summers by having cantaloupe in plenty.
Radishes
The cheap and best way to stay hydrated through food is to eat enough radish. They have a very high water content and are a great source of vitamin C, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also a rich source of potassium, which can help lower your risk of kidney stones and stroke, and minerals like sulphur, iron and iodine.
Mint
The cooling properties of mint and its refreshing aroma makes it suitable for summer. Mint is rejuvenating and hence it helps one to feel fresh especially during summer and the ability to chase away sluggishness when the heat soars. They have long been used by herbalists to create herbal teas, balms, ointments and other products, which can soothe your mind and body. Additionally, mint helps relieve both indigestion and inflammation, which can plague us during the hot summer months.
Pomegranate
When the sun is wrecking havoc, it is easy not only to lose your cool, but also your energy.
The heat can drain you more than you think, especially if you have a job that keeps you outdoors.
— [email protected]