Cool Summer Drink and Summer Food Items According to Ayurveda: Best Foods for a Healthy Summer
Explore the best cool summer drink and healthy summer food items according to Ayurveda. Learn which foods and drinks help keep your body cool and energized during hot weather.
Ayurovia Editior
2/18/20264 min read
Summer in India can be quite challenging, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees in many places. While we rush to turn on ACs and coolers, our ancestors had amazing natural solutions to beat the heat. Indian traditional medicine, known as Ayurveda, offers practical tips about what to eat and drink during hot months that actually work wonders for our body.
The basic idea is simple. During summer, our body naturally becomes hot from the inside and outside. According to Ayurveda, this is when Pitta, or the fire element, increases in our body. This can lead to problems like acidity, skin rashes, irritation, and feeling tired all the time. The solution is to eat and drink things that cool down our system naturally.
Best Drinks to Keep You Cool This Summer
Staying hydrated is super important in summer. But instead of just plain water or cold drinks filled with sugar, try these traditional Indian drinks that our grandmothers swore by.
Buttermilk, or chaas, is perhaps the best summer drink. Mix fresh curd with water, and add some roasted jeera powder, rock salt, and fresh coriander leaves. This drink not only cools your body but also helps you digest your food better. Many people drink this after lunch, and it really helps prevent that afternoon sluggishness.
Coconut water is another excellent choice. It is naturally sweet and full of minerals that help when you sweat a lot. One or two glasses daily can keep you fresh and energetic. Always prefer tender coconut water directly from the coconut rather than packaged ones.
For something different, try making dhaniya water. Just soak one tablespoon of coriander seeds in water overnight. Strain it in the morning and drink it on an empty stomach. This helps reduce any burning sensation in the body and is great for your kidneys, too.
Sattu is very popular in North India, especially in Bihar and UP. Mix sattu powder with cold water, and add salt, roasted jeera, lemon juice, and mint leaves. This is not just cooling but also very nutritious and keeps you full for hours. Many labor workers drink this because it gives instant energy without making them feel heavy.
Fresh sugarcane juice with a bit of lemon and ginger is also fantastic. It gives quick energy and helps clean your liver. Herbal teas made from mint, rose petals, or hibiscus flowers can be prepared hot, then cooled down and drunk throughout the day. These are much better than regular tea or coffee, which actually increases heat in the body.
What Foods to Eat in Summer
Summer is the season of amazing fruits in India. Watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, and pomegranate are all naturally cooling. Watermelon is more than 90 percent water, so it hydrates you beautifully. Eat these fruits during the day when you feel hot or tired.
Mangoes are the king of fruits, but they can increase heat if eaten too much. The trick is to soak mango pieces in water for half an hour before eating or blend the pulp with milk. This reduces its heating effect, and you can enjoy mangoes without worrying.
Vegetables like cucumber, bottle gourd (or lauki), ridge gourd (or turai), and bitter gourd (or karela) are excellent for summer. Yes, karela might taste bitter, but it is amazing for cooling your blood and controlling blood sugar. You can make simple sabzis with these vegetables using less oil and spices.
For main meals, I prefer eating rice over wheat rotis during peak summer. Basmati rice is lighter and cooler for digestion. Make simple khichdi with moong dal and rice. This is the most digestible meal and gives all nutrition without making you feel heavy. Add some ghee on top and eat with curd or buttermilk.
Buttermilk is wonderful in summer. You can drink it plain or make it more refreshing by adding roasted cumin, mint, or a pinch of black salt. Just remember to have buttermilk during the daytime only, not after sunset. Also, avoid drinking it straight from the fridge-let it come to room temperature first.
Simple Summer Lifestyle Tips
Along with food, some lifestyle changes can make your summer much more comfortable. Try to wake up early before the sun becomes too strong. Early morning hours are the coolest and most peaceful time of the day. You can do some light exercise or yoga then.
Avoid going out during peak afternoon hours between 11 AM and 3 PM when the sun is harshest. If you must go out, wear light-colored cotton clothes, carry an umbrella, and drink water frequently. Dark colors absorb more heat, so stick to whites and light pastels.
Take a shower or bath in the evening with normal water, not too cold. This helps remove the day heat from your body. You can also apply coconut oil to your skin before a bath, as it has cooling properties. For head massage, coconut oil or almond oil works better than regular mustard oil in summer.
Do not do intense workouts during summer afternoons. Your body is already under heat stress. Instead, go for morning or evening walks, swim if possible, or do gentle yoga. There are specific breathing exercises called Sheetali and Sheetkari pranayama, which literally cool down your body from inside. These can be learned from any yoga teacher.
Living the Natural Way
These simple changes can save you from common summer problems like dehydration, heat stroke, acidity, and skin issues. Plus, all these foods and drinks are easily available in Indian markets and are quite affordable compared to packaged health drinks and supplements.
Remember, your body is very intelligent. When you eat according to the season and listen to your body signals, it naturally stays balanced and healthy. This summer, try these Ayurvedic tips and see how much better you feel. Stay cool, stay healthy, and enjoy the summer season the natural Indian way.