HEATWAVE: THESE FOODS THAT REALLY REFRESH YOU (AND THAT WE OFTEN FORGET)
When the thermometer rises, our bodies crave effective hydration—and not just by drinking water. Certain foods are veritable natural air conditioners. Contrary to popular belief, what you put on your plate can make all the difference in the heat.
Eating to hydrate: a forgotten strategy
As we all know, summer is the season for deckchairs, fans, and water bottles at the ready. What we often overlook, however, is that certain foods are true water allies. When chosen carefully, they can support the body, prevent dehydration, and even ease the digestive system, which is often battered by the heat.
Your body sweats to regulate its temperature. Except that every drop of sweat, no matter how natural, causes you to lose water, minerals, and energy. The result: fatigue, headaches, and a feeling of heaviness. The good news? Your fridge may already be home to some freshness. And no, we're not just talking about the ice at the bottom of the freezer.
The cucumber, the discreet king of the fridge
It doesn't make a fuss, it doesn't shout its benefits from the rooftops, but it's there, faithful to its post: the cucumber . With its 96% water, it's the ultimate hydrating food. And what's more, it digests like a letter through the post. In other words, no feeling of heaviness after eating it.
Its added bonus? It contains potassium, which is excellent for regulating body fluids, and some welcome vitamins like A and K. You can eat it raw, slice it into a salad, or blend it into a cold soup: it's always ready to refresh you.
A little tip: skip the "salt soak" step. You'd lose a good portion of its precious water.
Watermelon: pleasure, freshness and good humor
Its name alone makes you want to go on vacation. With over 90% water, it ticks all the boxes for the ideal food for extreme heat. And that's not all: its red color isn't just for aesthetics. It's due to lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress—the very stress intensified by the sun.
Watermelon can be shared, eaten, drunk (in homemade juice or smoothies ), and even added to original salads with a little feta. It's a fruit that appeals to everyone, young and old, without any fuss.
Strawberry: vitamin-rich sweetness
Light, ruby red, fragrant... strawberries have it all. Containing 91% water, they actively contribute to your hydration. It would be reductive to think of them as just another watery fruit. They're packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and a little taste of happiness.
You can enjoy it as is, add it to a fruit salad, or even incorporate it into savory dishes (yes, with basil and fresh cheese, it's a treat).
Orange: the morning boost
It doesn't always come first in summer, but oranges deserve a spot on the podium. With 87% water, they hydrate, and thanks to their vitamin C, they revive the body and immune system. Their acidity stimulates salivation, which has an immediate refreshing effect.
Consume freshly sliced or freshly squeezed juice. Just avoid industrial versions, which, in addition to often being sweetened, lose a good portion of the original nutrients.
Forgotten people who deserve their moment of glory
- Courgette (94%): in carpaccio, in cold soup, in grated salad... courgette lends itself to all summer fantasies.
- Tomato (93%): the ultimate fruit-vegetable, it is perfect in salads, gazpacho, or simply sliced with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Melon (90%): sweet, juicy, and fragrant, it makes you want to nap under a parasol. As a starter, dessert, or aperitif, it ticks all the boxes.
- Green salads (up to 95%): lettuce, batavia, romaine… to be eaten fresh , well seasoned (but not too salty), they constitute a base for light and hydrating meals.
The art of cooling off without realizing it
Summer nutrition isn't just about taste. It's also a smart strategy to help your body cope during the heatwave. Here are a few simple tips to adopt:
- Choose raw when possible.
- Avoid foods high in salt and fat.
- Prepare small portions spread out throughout the day.
- Vary the textures: smoothies, cold soups, raw vegetables...
- And of course, keep drinking water, even if you're not thirsty.
There's nothing like a fresh, colorful, crisp, and juicy plate to feel good, even when the weather is playing diva. Adding more cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries, or tomatoes to your meals isn't just a treat: it's helping your body stay zen despite the heat. So, grab your forks, and may the freshness be with you!
2025-06-13T13:44:21Z