Ice cream, cold drinks, chilled sugar treats won’t cool you down. Celebrity nutritionist shares 6 simple foods to reduce body heat this summer

Summer has a way of draining your energy before the day even begins. The heat feels relentless, stepping out becomes a task, and even sitting indoors doesn’t always bring relief. Naturally, your cravings start shifting. You find yourself reaching for anything that promises instant cooling like ice creams after meals, chilled fizzy drinks in the afternoon, iced coffees during work breaks, or even sugary popsicles just to beat the heat. A glass of cold soda or packaged juice suddenly feels more tempting than regular water. It’s almost instinctive to look for quick, refreshing fixes when temperatures rise and discomfort kicks in.

But celebrity nutritionist and integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho has now issued a warning for those who are relying on these foods to cool themselves. According to him, cold drinks, cold water, ice creams, and sugary stuff are ‘wrong’ choices to beat the heat as it only temporarily cools your mouth, not your body.

Luke Coutinho revealed that if you really want to reduce body heat, which is important for skin, hair, gut, immunity, and overall health, you need foods that support hydration, electrolytes and digestion. Here are Coutinho’s top 6 recommendations that can add a cooling effect to your body.

Cucumber for instant hydration

Coutinho highlights cucumber as one of the most effective cooling foods, thanks to its high water content of nearly 95 per cent. It helps maintain hydration levels, provides potassium, and supports collagen health. Being light on digestion and low in calories, it also helps reduce internal heat. He suggests adding it to salads, mixing it with curd, or simply eating it raw with a pinch of salt.

Coconut water for electrolyte balance

Coconut water is another key recommendation due to its natural electrolyte content, including potassium and sodium. It helps maintain fluid balance in the body and is often more beneficial than packaged sports drinks. Coutinho suggests consuming it mid-morning or after sweating, with a pinch of rock salt and a squeeze of lemon. However, he advises those with kidney conditions to consult a doctor before including it regularly.

Watermelon for natural cooling

With around 90 per cent water content, watermelon is both hydrating and refreshing. It contains lycopene, which supports skin health during extreme heat. Coutinho notes that it can be enjoyed as a light snack or even after heavy meals for a cooling effect.

Curd for gut health and cooling

Curd or yogurt plays a vital role in traditional diets for its cooling properties. Rich in probiotics, it supports gut health and improves digestion, which in turn helps regulate body temperature. It can be consumed as plain dahi or in the form of buttermilk.

Mint for a refreshing effect

Mint, or pudina, contains menthol, which provides a natural cooling sensation. It aids digestion and helps reduce heat-related discomfort. Coutinho recommends adding it to chutneys, drinks, infused water, or even iced teas.

Matka water for natural cooling

Drinking water stored in an earthen clay pot, or matka, is another traditional method highlighted by Coutinho. This water remains naturally cool and slightly alkaline, making it beneficial for the body.

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According to Luke Coutinho, these foods and practices work because they improve hydration, restore electrolytes, and support digestion. Unlike sugary or artificially chilled options, they help regulate internal temperature, offering sustained relief rather than temporary cooling.