UK heatwave: Foods to keep you cool as temperatures…

UK heatwave: Foods to keep you cool as temperatures soar

Scotland and the rest of the UK are still going through the heatwave making it rather difficult to sleep at night.

Many of us are trying everything to cool us down right now from wearing ice packs, climbing in a freezing cold shower and sticking the fan on.

But whilst we can try and cool our bodies down from the outside, it's also wise to try from the inside too by focusing on what you're consuming.

Already the Met Office has confirmed that London Heathrow reported a record breaking temperature of 40.2C at 12:50pm today adding that it is a provisional record as temperatures continue to soar. However it's expected that this figure could soar even further.

In addition to this, Network Rail has issued a "do not travel" warning for people travelling through the "red zone" of the Met Office's weather warning. It comes as they revealed their "hottest rail recorded yesterday was 62C in Suffolk" explaining that "rail temperature can be about 20C higher than air temperature, causing it to expand, bend and break."

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However whilst many of us work from home, it's said that around 40 per cent of Brits snack on easy and unhealthy foods with food-tech innovators, yfood, arguing one of the best ways to regulate body temperature in the heat is making adjustments to your diet.

They say that as well as drinking plenty of water and lowering alcohol consumption, they have outlined what they recommend for eating during the heatwave. So what foods should you eat to help cool you down in the scorching heat?

Five foods to consume to help you cool down during the UK heatwave

Watermelon

Watermelons are perfect for dodging the risk of over-heating this summer. Packed with lots of water and a high concentration of electrolytes, the juicy summer favourites help regulate body temperature and stimulate perspiration. They also contain a nutrient called lycopene which has protective factors against sun exposure. Why not try a watermelon salad or smoothie to mix it up?

Cucumber

Did you know cucumbers are 96% water? This makes cucumber the summer essential to pack in your picnic this summer. Aside from staying hydrated, these seasonal fruits are loaded with antioxidants cleansing the body of toxins, aiding the digestive system, and are high in vitamin B-5.

Lettuce

These leafy vegetables are another hydrating summer must-have rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, vitamin A and various other antioxidant micronutrients. As well as having high water content, the salad necessity makes a refreshing choice during the hot weather.

Celery

Not only is this vegetable a key ingredient for your morning green juice, but its fibrous stalks are also rich in a multitude of key nutrients and vitamins, including potassium, calcium and protective plant compounds called flavonoids. These have a wealth of anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the cardiovascular system.

Strawberries

Now fully in season, these juicy summer fruits are bursting with a host of nutrients perfect for sustaining a balanced diet this summer, including vitamin C, K, folate, potassium, manganese and magnesium. Further, most berries such as strawberries are very alkaline which means that they will generate cold energy in the body and cool you down - this July might be the perfect time to go strawberry picking?

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