Last night was the first time in weeks that the windows in my house were open. As you know from my last post, the fires have been raging in California. The smoke finally lifted. No longer breathing in unhealthy particulates. No longer stuck inside. Fresh air, blue sky, and more oxygen to the brain - definitely a good thing.
Having spent the last few hours giving the garden a good haircut, and losing 5 pounds in sweat due to the heat, I am dedicating this post to cooling off. Which I plan to do after I finish writing this. The focus of the cool - FOOD.
Some people don't realize that the foods you typically reach for on a hot summer day often have the opposite reaction of cooling off. Sodas, candy, hot dogs, beer, and the like are often rich in additives including sugar and other unpronounceable chemical concoctions. These processed "foods" set off a chain reaction in the body, heating you up as your body detoxes from what you just put in.
Before you reach for the old standards, try these naturally cooling foods instead:
Lemon - Helps with digestion, has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, good for high blood pressure, improves mineral absorption, is rich in vitamin C and postassium, and so much more. It can be added to salads, squeezed on top of fruits, and made into a darn fine drink. Lime is another, just as medicinal and less acidic, option.
Coconut - My favorite. Get a workout opening it up, drink juice, and scoop out meat. High in lauric acid which aids the immune system and enhances brain function. It also has anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. For more health benefits, go here and here.
Mint - Did you know there are more than 500 varieties of mint? It promotes circulation of energy, lymph (which flushes toxins), and blood. It tonifies the colon and digestive system, always helping an upset stomach. Here's a good combo to try - Mint Galactica.
Cucumber - Containing over 90% water, the benefits of a cucumber are many. It cleanses, quenches thirst, is a blood purifier, helps rid parasites, and has a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein. Slice it up and mix with olive oil, red onion, and lemon. Mmm.
Kohlrabi - Huh? That's not one you hear about every day. This crisp vegetable stabilizes blood sugar (good for hypoglycemia and diabetes), improves circulation, is high in fiber, and also rich in vitamin C and potassium. Cut it into medium to thick slices, spread avocado on top, sprinkle with a bit of lime and cilantro. Yum.
I am having a love affair with whole foods and the remarkable benefits it has on the body. For more info on the difference between whole and processed foods, visit The Wholistic Research Company. What are your favorite foods to cool down with?
Stay cool. Appreciate clean air. Eat well.
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