Summer is the hottest time of the year, and the body's metabolism speeds up during this time. Various nutrients in the body also evaporate with sweat, causing people to feel lethargic and have a loss of appetite. Therefore, in summer, diet adjustments should not only focus on "dispelling heat," but also on replenishing nutrients to maintain a balance of yin and yang in the body. Specifically, there are several types of foods that are suitable for consumption in summer:
1. Sour Foods
During the hot summer weather, the body's metabolism speeds up, causing accelerated loss of body fluids. People usually experience dehydration during this time and may feel tired of consuming hot and greasy foods. Sour foods can enhance the taste and increase appetite in such cases. In addition, sour foods have the function of dispelling dampness, quenching thirst, and promoting sweating, which can prevent symptoms of dehydration caused by excessive sweating. Furthermore, sour foods like vinegar can also have antibacterial properties, preventing gastrointestinal discomfort caused by food poisoning.
Common sour foods suitable for consumption in summer include tomatoes, lemons, strawberries, grapes, mangoes, pickled vegetables, and yogurt. Sour plum soup, sour plum tea, and Chinese olive juice are also suitable beverages to drink in summer. Adding some vinegar to cooking not only helps kill bacteria but also promotes digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients in summer.
2. Bitter Foods
As the saying goes, "bitter foods are good for supplementing the heart in hot weather." This is because the "heart" is one of the five organs corresponding to summer, and according to the theory of the five flavors in traditional Chinese medicine, bitterness benefits the heart. Therefore, bitter foods should be consumed in summer. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, bitter foods mostly have the effect of clearing heat and nourishing the heart, which can cool down the body, promote diuresis, reduce swelling, remove internal heat, and prevent heatstroke. Bitter foods can also stimulate taste buds, enhance appetite, and promote digestion, thereby aiding in the absorption of nutrients.
Common bitter foods include bitter gourd, bitter vegetables, celery, lettuce, and almonds. Beverages like tea and beer are also considered bitter foods and are suitable for consumption in summer. It is important to note that although bitter foods can help dispel summer heat, excessive consumption can harm the spleen and stomach, so it is important to consume them in moderation.
3. Light and Nourishing Foods
In summer, with the accelerated metabolism and increased nutrient loss, sufficient nutrients are particularly needed. However, if the diet is too greasy, it will hinder nutrient absorption. Therefore, summer nourishment should focus on light and nourishing foods, with a principle of light and nutritious diet.
The foods chosen for summer nourishment should be rich in nutrients, light, and nourishing. Meat options can include shrimp, duck meat, and carp. It is also suitable to choose mushrooms, tremella, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, winter melons, barley, mung beans, and other foods. Drinking vegetable and fruit juices can supplement vitamins in daily life.
4. Foods Rich in Potassium and Sodium
In summer, sweating increases, resulting in increased loss of potassium and sodium. Potassium and sodium play a vital role in regulating fluid balance and muscle activity in the body. Excessive loss of potassium and sodium can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness and fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to consume foods rich in potassium and sodium in moderate amounts during summer. Foods rich in potassium and sodium include bananas, spinach, cilantro, celery, lettuce, bamboo shoots, potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, mung beans, seaweed, and kelp. In addition, drinking tea in moderation also helps replenish potassium.
