During the hottest months, the body needs to find escape routes at high temperatures. Going for the shadow, drinking showers or fresh bathrooms, hydrating, getting the fan and even sweating themselves are ways to regulate body temperature. But did you know that what you put on the plate also have a lot to do? Yes, even if you don't believe it, You can fight heat with food. We tell you!

How food temperature influence

Surely it has happened to you that, after eating a blunt dish in August, you have put you to sweat as if you were in a Hammam. The reason is simple: Our body needs energy to digest what we eat, and that process generates heat. This phenomenon is called Induced thermogenesis by the diet or thermal effect of food.

Now, some foods cause greater metabolic activity and, therefore, more heat. For example, Proteins generate a caloric expense of 20-30% of its caloric value. Instead, In fats, energy consumption decreases to 1-3%. So yes, a chuleton in summer can be your number one enemy if what you want is to combat heat with food.

On the contrary, fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in water and easy to digest help you stay fresh. In addition, certain ingredients contain nutrients that favor peripheral vasodilation (yes, another medical word) that is basically that your body is better refreshed. That is why the Mediterranean diet is perfect for these dates.

What can I eat to combat heat?

What are allied foods for summer? Here is a list, tasty and fresh, of products that you should include yes or yes in your summer menu to combat heat with food:

1.    Water rich fruits: Watermelon, melon, pineapple or strawberries. They cool, hydrate and sweeten life without adding heat to the body.

2.    Crispy and light vegetables: Cucumber, celery, tomato or lettuce. Perfect for fast and fresh salads.

3.    Gazpacho and Salmorejo: Andalusian classics that hydrate, feed and feel like a dip in the pool.

4.    Aove (extra virgin olive oil): Yes, liquid gold also refreshes. In raw, power flavors and improves digestion.

5.    Natural yogurt or kefir: Light, probiotics and perfect to regulate intestinal flora with heat.

6.    Blue and white fish: He salmon Or hake are easy to digest proteins, ideal for light dinners.

7.    Cold infusions: Mint, Rooibos or chamomile are some examples. No, they don't need to be hot to work.

8.    Hydrated seeds and nuts: Soak almonds or chia seeds can help you maintain energy without raising the temperature.

9.    Coconut water: Refreshing, remineralizing and very instagrameable.

10.  Homemade ice cream Fruit and Aove: Golosa surprise you didn't expect, huh? Mixture frozen fruit with a splash of Aove and you will get a healthy whim.

Each of these foods contributes directly or indirectly to combat heat with food, either because of its water content, its lightness or for its refreshing effect on the body.

Tricks to combat heat with food

Beyond what you eat, how and when you do it you can also make a difference. Here are 7 infallible tricks to win the battle against Mercury:

1.    Avoid copious and heavy meals. It is not time for medieval banquets. Opt for light dishes and in less quantity, distributed throughout the day.

2.    Moderate salt consumption. Excess salt favors fluid retention. Result? Sensation of swelling and more heat. Better power flavors with fresh herbs and a good Aove.

3.    Forget about alcohol (or at least, moderate it). Although a cold beer or sangria may seem refreshing, alcohol dehydrates and hinders the body's thermal self-regulation. Beware of the false sensation of freshness. Better, bet on the cocktails.

4.    Go for gentle or raw cooking. Steam, low oven, fast iron... Or better yet, raw foods such as salads, carpaccio or tartares are the most recommended for the summer months.

5.    Stay hydrated even if you're not thirsty. Yes, it seems basic, but many people don't drink enough water. Keep in mind that, although it is advisable to consume between 1.5 and 2 liters of water daily, in summer this amount should increase to 2.5 liters, depending on the conditions. authorities. You can introduce foods with high water content to compensate.

6.    Don't abuse simple sugars. Sweets, pastries and sugary soft drinks trigger glucose, generating spikes of energy and heat... and then comes the crash. Better natural fruit and homemade desserts with little or no sugar.

7.    Includes healthy fats like EVOO. Provides satiety without overloading, improves digestion and is a source of antioxidants. Plus, it enhances any summer recipe without adding heaviness.

These small daily gestures are the secret to combating the heat with food without giving up the pleasure of eating well. For this, we invite you to visit the Hacienda Guzmán recipe book, where you will find numerous summer recipes. Fresh, healthy ideas with the unmistakable touch of our EVOO.