How To Beat The Heat Using Food

The Northland is getting ready to experience one of those hot stretches of weather that happen once or twice a summer. Living in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin it seems that we're better prepared to handle extremely cold temperatures with good humor; When the thermometer stretches to its upper reaches, we don't seem to know what to do to stay cool.

While there are plenty of mechanical ways to get or stay cool when the summer temperatures rise (Air conditioning, fans, etc.) there are other methods to turn to as well. Did you know that food is one of those ways in which you could try to cool off? The key here is to help the body with hydration and food can be a natural source of fluids for our bodies.

The human body needs about nine glasses of water a day to stay hydrated - maybe more when it gets hot out. The following foods can benefit your body's hydration process:

Coconut Water

Coconut water is low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and a great source of vitamins and minerals – especially potassium, which helps replenish all those electrolytes you lose when you sweat.

Seltzer

Seltzer has zero calories and sodium and comes in a variety of flavors. Plus, you can drink it plan or mixed with fruit juices, herbs, or fresh fruit slices.

Fresh Fruit

On average, fresh fruit is 90 percent water. In addition, fruits contain multiple vitamins and minerals. Watermelon for example is 92 percent water; Raspberries, blueberries and blackberries all contain about 85 percent water; Grapefruit is about 90 percent water.

Veggies

Vegetables also contain a lot of water. Cucumbers are almost 97 percent water content. Tomatoes come in second at 95 percent water. Green peppers are also a good choice at 94 percent water.

Dairy