Health

The Top 14 Foods to Eat in the Summer

It’s summer and most people are drinking water like thirsty men in a desert. But in the midst of all this guzzling to prevent dehydration we tend to neglect our diet! Sure, the body needs water to replenish lost fluids, but it also requires a special summer diet too! Here are some summer foods that can make your summers cool.

Foods to stock up on and those to avoid to beat the heat.

1. Vegetables During Summer: 

Those with high water content should top the list, as they help hydrate your body from within. Foods such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, and sprouts should find a place on your plate, as they serve to cool your body from within while providing the daily quota of nutrition.

2. Non Veg:

For those who feel empty without their quota of meat, try fish. This is better than red meat or chicken because it contains fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6.

3. Gooseberry – The Summer Fruit:

Not only is amla a great refresher, but it also helps reverse the aging effects of the sun and gives you added stamina for gym sessions. It strengthens the heart, hair, and different glands.

4. Apricot: 

If you’re prone to skin breakouts or acne in summer, apricot can help. It provides iron, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Enjoy it as a great pre- or post-workout snack.

5. Buttermilk – Cooling Summer Foods:

Buttermilk is better than diet soda. It is one of the healthiest summer drinks. Down a glass a day to avoid dehydration and digestion issues.

6. Cardamom:

Look no further than your cup of elaichi chai for an instant cool down. Cardamom has wonderful detoxifying properties to effectively cool down even the most hot-headed days.

7. Corn: 

Nothing elevates work stress more than a malfunctioning air conditioner. So pop some corn. It’s a good source of pantothenic acid, which provides vitamin B to lower stress levels. Boiled corn is a great snack or a lunch takeaway as it lowers cholesterol levels and is high in essential carbs.

8. Mango – Summer Fruit:

Skip Katrina’s aamsutra adverts and focus on the real fruit. Chilled mangoes are the juiciest way to cool off, but if you’re looking for a bit of spice, try this: Unripe mangoes are a rich source of pectin. Steam and juice with cumin (jeera) and salt for an excellent remedy from heatstroke and exhaustion.

9. Oyster:

Already established as an aphrodisiac, oysters contain phytochemicals that wipe out the toxins that encourage sweating. But they’re best consumed fresh and should not be bought from stores where they’re sold in bags and bowls.

10. Soybeans: 

Rich in protein, they help prevent summer colds. Add some to caramel custards, kheer or payasam to lower bad cholesterol levels.

11. Kiwi: 

The fruit is rich in omega 3, relatively easy to find, and easy on the pocket. And there is no need to dress up this tasty and delightful fruit.

12. Soups:

Watery broth-based soups are an excellent choice! Adding ‘cool’ herbs such as mint or coriander to the soups is another way of ensuring that your piping hot soup cools you down from within.

13. Curd: 

Curd is a healthy alternative to cold drinks and ice-cream. Vitamin B helps soothe ulcers, allergies, and heat boil.

14. Juices:

Be its lime juice, coconut juice, green tea, or just plain buttermilk, drink them all to replenish lost fluids, and avail of the benefits of various nutrients and vitamins.

So, now that you are armed with the do’s and the don’ts of a summer diet , enjoy the sun!

Summer Foods To Stay Away From:

Apart from taking in good amount of the above summer foods, you’ve got to avoid certain foods to beat the body heat during summers.

1. Cold drinks and ice cream: 

While fizzy cold drinks and yummy ice -creams may seem cool, they actually interfere with the body’s own cooling mechanism!

2. Coffee and alcohol:

Both act as diuretics, which increase urination, leading to an excessive loss of water from the body

3. Fried foods: 

Samosa, vada-pav, burger, and pizza contain a lot of fat, which on entering the body increases the metabolic rate. This has a thermal effect on the body, increasing its temperature!

7 Home Remedies For Loss Of Taste – Dysgeusia Treatment At Home

Our sense of taste helps us enjoy delicious dishes and makes eating a pleasant experience. But the meaning of taste can be affected by spoiling a person’s appetite! Dysgeusia refers to a distorted or altered sense of taste. It is often associated with Ageusia – complete loss of taste sensitivity, and Hypogeusia – decreased taste sensitivity.

Alterations in the sense of taste are usually presented as metallic taste.

Dysgeusia Causes:

Dysgeusia is relatively common compared to Ageusia and Hypogeusia. There are numerous causes for Dysgeusia, of which many are temporary. Most common causes are:

• Common cold
• Infection of the nose and sinuses
• Sore throat
• Flu
• Smoking LPR (Laryngol Pharyngeal Reflux)
• Trauma
• Intake of certain medicines such as Lithium, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic drugs

Taste disorder may also be associated with:

• Burning mouth syndrome
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue)
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Vitamin and Zinc deficiencies
• Certain metabolic diseases

Home Remedies For Loss Of Taste:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. If you are suffering from a cold, drink peppermint tea a couple of times a day. This will help you relieve the symptoms of cold including the metallic taste in your mouth
3. Mix water with baking soda, and apply it to your tongue. Allow it to remain there for some time before rinsing it away. Do this twice daily.
4. Gargle with warm and salty water.
5. Eat plenty of yogurts.
6. Eat lots of greens and fresh fruits to control tongue inflammation.
7. And finally, stop smoking!

Why is my taste distorted?

Your taste could be affected if you have: An infection in your nose, throat, or sinuses. A head injury might affect the nerves related to taste and smell. A polyp or a growth that blocks your nasal passage.

How do you stop Dysgeusia?

Taste Sensation Sometimes, good oral hygiene, including flossing, brushing, and regular use of mouthwash can alleviate the effects. If overgrowth of oral bacteria is the cause of your Dysgeusia, taking care of your oral health can permanently resolve the problem.

What should I eat if I have Dysgeusia?

Go sour. Marinate meats in vinegar, soy sauce, or citrus juices, as sour foods stimulate the taste buds and saliva production. Other ideas: Add lemons to water, drink lemon or lime seltzer and lemonade, or suck on citrus drops. Switching to plastic dinnerware from silverware can also help.

How long does it take for Dysgeusia to go away?

Dysgeusia may be a sign of an underlying, potentially serious medical problem, so if it doesn’t clear up on its own in four to six weeks, you should get it checked by your doctor.

What is Dysgeusia a symptom of?

Common causes of Dysgeusia include chemotherapy, asthma treatment with albuterol, and zinc deficiency. Liver disease, hypothyroidism, and rarely certain seizures can also lead to Dysgeusia.

Is dysgeusia a symptom of coronavirus?

It is of particular significance that Dysgeusia (with or without olfactory symptoms) has been reported as an early or lone symptom of COVID-19 before involvement of the lungs or other organs.

What drugs cause Dysgeusia?

Medications known to impair the sense of taste are numerous and include lithium (antidepressant), griseofulvin (antifungal), captopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor), biguanides (antidiabetic agent), tetracycline (antibiotic), and chemotherapy regimens.

How do you cure a taste change?

How can taste problems be treated?

• Choose foods that smell and taste good, even if the food is unfamiliar. If you are sensitive to smells, get rid of cooking odors.
• Eat cold or frozen foods, which may taste better than hot foods
• Use plastic utensils and glass cookware to lessen a metallic taste.

How can I recover my taste buds?

In the meantime, here are some other things you can try: Try cold foods, which may be easier to taste than hot foods. Drink plenty of fluids. Brush your teeth before and after eating. Ask your doctor to recommend products that may help with dry mouth.

What foods stimulate tastebuds?

Plus, certain foods, such as sour and tart foods, can enhance and stimulate the taste buds. In this case, adding more citrus flavors (think lemon, orange, lime) may help. Also, certain spices, herbs, vinegar, and seasonings may help boost the taste of your meal.

What does Dysgeusia taste like?

Dysgeusia [dis-GYOO-zee-a] is a condition in which a foul, salty, rancid, or metallic taste sensation persists in the mouth. Dysgeusia is sometimes accompanied by burning mouth syndrome, a condition in which a person experiences a painful burning sensation in the mouth.

How do you fix altered taste and smell?

Treating the underlying condition that causes your impaired sense of taste can help restore your taste. Bacterial sinusitis, salivary glands, and throat infections can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of colds, flu, and allergic rhinitis that impact taste may be relieved with decongestants or antihistamines.

Ways To Increase Turmeric Intake In Your Diet:

It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium. It not only balances blood sugar and improves cholesterol levels and gut health, but also levels out our mood. And is one of the foods that boost immune system. Now, who wouldn’t want to eat for health and happiness?! Follow these 7 easy-to-implement hacks to take turmeric, and you will be glowing in no time!

Sadhguru: Turmeric purifies the blood and brings translucence to your energies. Turmeric not only works on physiology but also has a big impact on your energy system. It purifies the blood, body, and energy system.

This spice can be found in every Indian kitchen but in order to kick-start its nutrition superpowers, we might not eat enough of it. It’s bright yellow pigments stand for happiness and optimism, as it is the color of the shining sun.

Turmeric Diet: Use in soups

All taste better when you add a little turmeric to vegetable or chicken broth, soups, stews, and potpourris. It will give that extra kick to your bland soup.

Turmeric Diet: Blend it into your shakes and smoothies

Its roots are a great addition to your drinks. A little pungent flavor of turmeric is very well and with the sweet taste of a smoothie or a shake allows you at the same time to enjoy all of its health benefits.

Turmeric Diet: Use it in teas and ‘Golden Milk’

Since ancient times, it has been used in teas and kinds of milk. Put it in hot cow milk or coconut milk for a perfect drink for winters. This recipe has now gained much fame under the term ‘Golden Milk’.

Turmeric Diet: Add it to your egg, soy and paneer preparations

Sprinkle it onto your omelet, fried or boiled eggs, and add it to paneer bhurji. You can use it in your soybean preparation as well.

Turmeric Diet: Put a pinch of turmeric to all the vegetables

You cook with turmeric because it has many health benefits, and also adds a peppy flavor to every dish. It complements the natural taste of carrots, peas, broccoli, and even mushrooms.

Turmeric Diet: Add turmeric to your grains and proteins

Mix it with your bread or grain that you consume. It will give a lovely twist to your everyday curry or lentils.

Turmeric Diet: Put a pinch of turmeric on your salad

Take a little bit of it, and top your salads with it. It will add a peppery flavor to your potato salads and mixed greens.

10 Healthy Substitutions For Everyday Foods:

Are you trying to lose weight or change your dietary habits, but are wary of the stringent diet plans, exorbitant ‘nutritious’ foods, and impractical lifestyle modifications? Trust me, you are not alone. There is indeed no dearth of guidelines, diet plans, and eating tips. However, when it comes to being healthy, what actually works are the little changes that one can make in their everyday routine for bigger health gains, without burning pockets, compromising on flavor or staying hungry. So here is a list of 10 simple, tasty, and yet healthful swaps of your everyday foods that will set you on a healthful journey towards nutritional success.

10 Best Foods For Weight Loss:

Multigrain Bread Instead of Rice Or White Breads:

Substituting wheat/rice with other whole grains such as jowar and bajra or pulse flours like soy flour and Bengal gram, dal flour is an easy way to increase fiber, vitamins, and protein in your meals.

Whole Fruits Instead of Fruit Juices:

Whole fruits are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but fruit juices are often stripped of the fiber and have added sugar.

Nuts Instead Of Biscuits:

Nuts like almonds, walnuts and even peanuts are better snacks for evening hunger pangs than a bag of wafers or cookies.

Sprouts Instead Of Fried Snacks:

Add sprouts in your daily diet to curb cravings and improve digestion.

Vegetable Broths Instead Of Creamy Soups:

Go for clear soups like minestrone or lentil soup and vegetable broths using fresh ingredients to warm up your palate.

Plain Yogurt Instead Of Ice Creams:

Switch to yogurts topped with fresh fruits, nuts or seeds instead of ice creams and creamy desserts to keep your taste buds and waistline happy, simultaneously.

Dates Instead of Sugar:

Reap the health benefits of dates while indulging in your sweet tooth. Weight loss seekers or people with diabetes may want to try this. Check out ways to reduce sugar intake gradually.

Green Tea Instead Of Cola:

A refreshing alternative to fizzy drinks and caffeine is green tea. Regular green tea consumption is linked with delayed aging, improved brain function and reduced risk to heart diseases and cancer. Check out different herbal tea types in different flavors and for different purposes.

Herbs Instead of Condiments:

Herbs offer the flavors of any condiments, though without excess calories. Ginger, garlic, cinnamon, oregano and fenugreek seeds help keep your blood glucose and cholesterol levels in check. Check out more on the health benefits of herbs and spices.