6 Seasonal Fruits That Can Help Battle Severe Heat

As more and more Indian states battle heatwave with maximum temperatures reaching 47 degrees, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to our diet. Cooling water-rich foods, especially natural ones can offer a respite and also produce sustained energy to help you with your day-to-day life. Staying away from heat-producing foods is a good idea and stocking up on seasonal fruits that are rich in antioxidants is also important. 

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are packed with vitamin C, electrolytes, and antioxidants. They help boost immunity, promote hydration, and support overall well-being during hot weather. Pineapple is another option; it is not only delicious but also rich in vitamin C, bromelain, and antioxidants. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with heat-related ailments. Here are some other fruits that can help us in extreme temperatures.

Bel or wood apple

This tropical fruit is native to India and offers many health benefits which can help you stay well despite severe heat. Rich in nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, bel is a natural tonic that helps boost immunity and combat heat-related ailments. Its cooling properties make it particularly beneficial for alleviating digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, and constipation, which are common during hot weather. 

Bel juice is a popular summer beverage that not only quenches thirst but also helps maintain electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. Additionally, the fiber-rich pulp of bel aids in regulating bowel movements and promoting gut health. Incorporating bel into your summer diet can help you stay hydrated, cool, and nourished, making it a valuable addition to your seasonal fruit intake.

Tadgola

Also known as ice apple or palm fruit, this translucent, jelly-like fruit offers several health benefits ideal for combating the summer heat. Tadgola is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, along with minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and maintain hydration levels. Its high water content makes it exceptionally hydrating, making it an excellent choice for staying cool and refreshed on hot days. 

Tadgola also has natural cooling properties that aid in lowering body temperature and relieving heat-related discomfort. Moreover, its low calorie and fat content make it a guilt-free snack option for those looking to stay healthy and energized during the scorching summer months. Incorporating tadgola into your diet can help you beat the heat while nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

Lychee

There’s a reason everyone loves lychee during summers. With its delicate, translucent flesh and floral aroma, lychee is a tropical gem that signifies the arrival of summer in India. Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, lychees are a refreshing treat that helps combat the heat and quench thirst. Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, lychees boost immunity, promote heart health, and rejuvenate the body from within. Eating raw lychee is the best way of consuming it but you can also use it to make juice and store it in your refrigerator.

Muskmelon or kharbooja

Also known as cantaloupe, muskmelon is another summer favorite cherished for its sweet, aromatic flavour and juicy flesh. Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber, muskmelon supports hydration, aids digestion, and promotes skin health. Its natural cooling properties make it an ideal snack to beat the heat and stay energized throughout the day. Whether diced into fruit salads, blended into refreshing coolers, or enjoyed on its own, muskmelon adds a burst of freshness to summer meals.

Water chestnuts or singhara

Singhara are nutritious tubers that offer a range of health benefits, particularly during the summer season. These crunchy, white-fleshed nuts are low in calories and fat but high in essential nutrients like potassium, manganese, and fiber. During the summer months, water chestnuts provide a refreshing and hydrating snack option due to their high water content. They help keep the body cool and hydrated, making them an excellent choice for combating dehydration and heat exhaustion. Water chestnuts are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and support overall well-being. 

Additionally, their fiber content aids digestion and promotes satiety, making them a satisfying and nutritious addition to summer salads, stir-fries, and snacks. Incorporating water chestnuts into your summer diet can help you stay cool, hydrated, and nourished throughout the hot weather.

Watermelon

Nothing spells summer quite like the crisp, juicy sweetness of watermelon. Composed of over 90% water, watermelon is nature's way of keeping you hydrated and refreshed on hot summer days. Packed with electrolytes like potassium, watermelon helps replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Moreover, its high lycopene content offers antioxidant benefits, protecting the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. From enjoying slices of chilled watermelon by the pool to blending it into thirst-quenching smoothies, this hydrating fruit is a summer essential.