The summer sun is blazing, and staying cool is a top priority. While cranking up the AC and reaching for ice-cold drinks are tempting solutions, there are other ways to combat the heat that are both delicious and rooted in tradition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Art of Cooling Foods

For centuries, cultures around the world have developed unique ways to adapt to seasonal changes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a fascinating perspective on food and its impact on the body. According to TCM, certain foods have energetic properties that can influence our internal temperature. During hot weather, incorporating "cooling" foods into your diet can help you feel refreshed and energized.

Nature's Hydrators: Cooling Fruits and Vegetables

These summer staples are more than just refreshing treats. Fruits and vegetables with high water content are nature's way of keeping you hydrated. Watermelon, a quintessential summer fruit, is over 90% water and provides a natural dose of sweetness. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with vitamins, minerals, and water, promoting hydration and a cool feeling from the inside out.

A Guide to Cooling Foods in TCM:

Here's a breakdown of some delicious and nutritious cooling foods you can incorporate into your summer diet:

• Hydrating Fruits (Most are Low Glycemic):

  • Watermelon: This juicy classic is over 90% water and a natural source of sweetness.
  • Citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes): All naturally cooling and replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
  • Stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries): Offer a delightful balance of sweetness and hydration.
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): Packed with antioxidants and provide a light, cooling sensation.
  • Pears: These juicy fruits are high in fiber and have a cooling effect. Diabetics Note: Pears have a medium glycemic index (GI).

• Refreshing Vegetables:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce, bok choy): Excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and water, promoting hydration and a cool feeling.
  • Cucumbers: This quintessential summer veggie is over 90% water and provides a refreshing crunch.
  • Celery: High in water content and with a slightly bitter taste, celery helps cool the body.
  • Bitter melon (goya): This Asian staple has a cooling effect and can aid digestion during hot weather.
  • Bean sprouts (mung bean sprouts and other sprouted legumes): Easy to digest and offer a refreshing crunch.

• Cooling Grains:

  • Sprouted grains (sprouted brown rice, barley, quinoa): Easier to digest than whole grains and have a slightly cooling effect.

• Other Cooling Options:

  • Mung beans: A versatile legume, mung beans can be eaten sprouted, boiled, or made into soups and broths. They are known for their cooling properties and ability to clear heat from the body.
  • Soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame): All good sources of protein and have a cooling effect according to TCM principles.
  • Mint and peppermint: These herbs have a naturally cooling taste and can be enjoyed in teas, salads, or added to water for a refreshing boost.

The Wisdom of Spice: Why India Reaches for Chai

While we often associate spices with warmth, some, like those used in traditional Indian Chai, can surprisingly have a cooling effect. Spices like ginger, fennel, and cardamom are all considered "cooling" in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. These spices may promote sweating, which helps the body regulate temperature through evaporation. Drinking them as an iced chai can double the effects. Want a delicious homemade chai recipe? Click here. CHAI

The Science of Refreshment: Cold Drinks and the Stomach

There's a reason why a cold drink feels so satisfying on a hot day. Cold beverages activate cold receptors in your mouth and throat, sending signals to your brain that create a refreshing sensation. However, it's important to note that this coolness is temporary. Drinking very cold liquids too quickly can actually have the opposite effect. The cold temperature can overwhelm your stomach, slowing down digestion and potentially leading to discomfort.

The Art of Sipping: How to Enjoy Cooling Drinks

The key to enjoying the refreshing properties of cold drinks lies in mindful consumption. Sipping slowly allows your body to adjust to the temperature gradually and avoid any digestive upset. Consider using