SUNDAY, MAY 05, 2024
Meghana Bhovi
As the entire nation battles with this scorching heatwave and the blazing summer, the repercussions of this burning climate on our health is what every citizen of our country is concerned about. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Bihar, and Delhi have been experiencing severe heatwaves crossing the bar up to 45 degrees Celsius.
Recently, on 20th April 2024, Goa faced torrential rain in some parts of the state, whereas other parts of Goa witnessed cloudy weather. But this unseasonal rain which lasted for a short period of time helped Goa to cool off partially. As the days go by, Goa is witnessing the scorching blaze of the summer.
On the other hand, there’s no sign of temperature decrease, we must make sure that our body is maintained well. To combat this heatwave, you must keep yourself hydrated minute by minute and maintain your body temperature. Water is the ultimate source to keep your body hydrated. Apart from water which is a basic necessity, balancing your diet with food items that keep you cool is of utmost importance. They not only keep you hydrated but provide you with all kinds of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs.
Fruits like watermelons, muskmelons, tomatoes, oranges, etc. are a must to be included in your diet palate as they consist of 90% water and are rich in antioxidants that keep your body cool. Coconut water is also a great way to keep your body cool as coconut water is considered as purest natural water with all the major minerals and vitamins for our survival. The easy availability of Coconuts and fruits in the market is what makes fruits the first preference of a person to stay hydrated.
In the Vegetable section, cruciferous vegetables also known as green leafy vegetables like Methi, Palak, Tambdi Bhaji, etc. are the lighter source of vegetarian food that helps your body survive in this hot weather. Just like watermelons, cucumbers also are made up of 90% of water and are filled with fibres.
In animal-based products, you have curd that is high in protein and an excellent cooling and digestive agent. Even flavoured yoghurt or Lassi is a go-to drink to cool your body.
When it comes to drinks how can we forget, sugarcane juice. The nostalgic and OG go-to energy of our childhood. Every person in their childhood must have a core memory of enjoying fresh sugarcane juice to beat the heatwave. Not only sugarcane juice but juices and shakes made from all types of fruits. It is the best way to finish a whole packet of milk as fruits make the boring, plain milk taste delicious.
In this summer, it is not only advisable to use preventive measures to keep your body cool from inside but staying cool from outside is necessary so that you end up getting baked like a brownie in the sun. Wear light, airy clothes made from cotton that can absorb your sweat and in return keep you cool. Including the right choice of clothes, and the right shade of colours also matters a lot. Preferably colours like white, yellow, peach, orange, light pink, light blue and cream colours best suited as they absorb less light and heat. Black and other dark colours need to be avoided because they absorb more heat and light making you feel hotter and uncomfortable.
Use umbrellas, wherever you venture out in the sun to avoid being slowly cooked by the sun. Wearing a scarf, hats, and covering your eyes with sunglasses, are elementary tools that will help you avoid the rays directly falling on you.
So in this summer, choose your food items very carefully, as you need to keep yourself hydrated. Drink 2-3 litres of water every day. Avoid eating junk food, fried and oily kinds of stuff and meat products because they are the ones that will generate more heat inside your body and make you feel uneasy. Make sure to wear a scarf, and light-airy clothes, and avoid going out in the noon time. If you want to keep yourself healthy this summer, then your health will be prioritized only if you take the initiative to do what’s right.
