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Say no to cold drinks, ice cream, sugary treats: Celebrity nutritionist shares 5 simple foods to stay naturally cool during a summer heatwave
ET Online | May 22, 2026 12:19 AM CST

Synopsis

As India swelters, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho advises against relying on sugary drinks for heat relief. He emphasizes that true body cooling comes from proper hydration, balanced electrolytes, good digestion, quality sleep, and reduced processed foods. Natural habits and foods like cucumber, coconut water, watermelon, curd, and mint are highlighted for their cooling benefits.

The celebrity nutritionist recommended having matka water. (Image - iStock)
With temperatures soaring across India and humidity levels making daily life increasingly uncomfortable, many people have been turning to chilled soft drinks, ice creams, packaged juices, and sugary beverages for quick relief from the extreme summer heatwave. However, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho, in his latest Instagram post, explained that such processed cooling options may provide only temporary comfort and do not actually help regulate the body’s internal temperature. He mentioned that effective body cooling depends more on proper hydration, balanced electrolytes, healthy digestion, quality sleep, and reduced consumption of ultra-processed sugary foods.

Celebrity nutritionist on summer heatwave


According to Luke Coutinho, heat affects digestion, sleep quality, skin flare-ups, headaches, fatigue, irritability, dehydration, and even appetite during peak summers. But natural lifestyle habits play a far greater role in maintaining summer wellness and preventing heat-related fatigue. The fitness coach revealed that, from a medical perspective, the body regulates temperature most effectively when it is adequately hydrated, electrolyte levels remain balanced, digestion functions optimally, and sleep and recovery are not compromised.

Luke Coutinho further emphasised that reducing the intake of ultra-processed and sugar-laden foods can support the body’s natural cooling mechanisms, helping individuals stay energised, refreshed, and resilient during periods of extreme heat and humidity. His post also came with a list of 5 common but powerful foods that can help you stay cool naturally amid the intense heatwave.

5 naturally cooling foods


Cucumber

Loaded with water, fibre, and essential nutrients, cucumber supports hydration, replenishes fluids lost through sweating, and helps the body cope better with extreme summer temperatures.

Coconut Water

This natural summer drink provides potassium and other electrolytes that aid fluid balance, promote hydration, and reduce the risk of heat-related exhaustion during hot weather.

Watermelon

Packed with water, antioxidants, and vitamin C, watermelon helps maintain hydration levels, supports skin health, and offers a refreshing way to beat the summer heat.

Curd

A probiotic-rich food, curd promotes a healthy gut microbiome, supports digestion, and may help ease digestive discomfort that often worsens during hot and humid conditions.

Mint (Pudina)

Widely used in summer beverages and meals, mint delivers a refreshing sensation, supports digestive health, and may help the body feel more comfortable in rising temperatures.

For a bonus hack, Luke Coutinho recommended storing water in matkas, aka earthen clay pots and drinking water from them, claiming that it naturally cools the water and is considered gentler on the body.


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