UAE summer turning up the heat? 10 cooling foods to keep you refreshed—from buttermilk to berries
Discover 10 foods to naturally cool your body this UAE summer
Ugh, it’s hot, and while cool drinks offer some relief, your body needs more than that to truly stay comfortable. It craves hydration, balance, and nourishing foods that help regulate internal heat. That’s where smart food choices come in. Cooling foods don’t just offer temporary refreshment—they help lower body temperature, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.
Here are 10 foods that can help you stay naturally cool this summer and a few extra tips on how to go about it.
Cucumbers
Keep a box of them at your office desk, trust us, it helps. Crisp, refreshing, and composed of over 95 per cent water, cucumbers are a real summer aid. They hydrate, aid digestion, and help reduce internal heat. Add them to salads, smoothies, or infuse your drinking water with a few slices for instant freshness.
Watermelons
Juicy, sweet, and over 90% water, watermelon is basically summer in a slice. Packed with vitamins A and C, plus skin-loving lycopene and natural electrolytes, it’s a helpful way to hydrate and glow when the heat is relentless.
Mint
Mint doesn’t just taste cool, it actually feels cool, literally triggering your body’s cold sensors. Toss it into drinks, swirl it into yogurt, or sprinkle it over salads and chutneys for an instant chill, inside and out. It’s like edible air-conditioning.
Pineapple: Tangy and tropical
Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation, helping your body stay cool. Enjoy it chilled with a squeeze of lime or freeze it for a tropical sorbet alternative.
Coconut water
Naturally rich in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, coconut water is a great alternative to processed energy drinks. It restores lost fluids, cools the body from within, and is gentle on the stomach.
Buttermilk (Chaas)
This probiotic-rich drink is popular in many cultures for its digestive and cooling benefits. Add spices like cumin, ginger, or mint to elevate its taste and effectiveness in reducing body heat.
Leafy greens
Spinach, lettuce, and other greens are high in water content and easy to digest when consumed raw or lightly cooked. They also help detoxify the body, making them ideal for summer salads or wraps.
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants and water. They support skin health, hydrate the body, and provide a naturally sweet snack that’s light and satisfying.
Aloe Vera juice
Aloe vera has been used for centuries to reduce internal heat. The juice soothes digestion, supports skin clarity, and provides a subtle cooling effect from the inside out. Choose unsweetened varieties or make your own using fresh aloe pulp.
Few tips for cooling desserts
Great choices:
Homemade fruit popsicles made from blended mango, berries, or watermelon.
Frozen grapes or slices of kiwi for a sweet, bite-sized treat.
Chia pudding with almond or coconut milk topped with fresh fruit.
Sorbet made from real fruit, dairy-free and refreshing.
Choose lighter, cooler meals
Digestion generates heat, which your body doesn’t need more of during a heatwave. Instead of heavy or spicy meals, opt for smaller, lighter meals spread throughout the day. These are easier on your system and help regulate your body temperature.
Try:
Cold noodle bowls with soba or rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing.
Chilled soups like gazpacho or cucumber-yogurt soup for a hydrating, nutrient-rich option.
Summer rolls made with rice paper, filled with greens, tofu, or shrimp.
Greek yogurt topped with fruit and a drizzle of honey — cooling, protein-packed, and satisfying.
Make sure you're keeping updated with Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), so you don't miss out on any of the incredible fun happening across the UAE in July and August. Schools are closed, temperatures are soaring, but don’t sweat it — we’ve got you covered. Just click here to find out more and keep checking back for more info on events, deals and offers. We're also providing plenty of hints and tips for staying safe and cool as we make this a summer to remember.
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