The idea that certain foods can “heat up” the body, especially in summer, comes from both Ayurveda and general nutrition science. Let’s break it down nicely — from chicken and mutton to dates and raisins — so you understand why they might not be the best choices during hot weather:
🔥 Why These Foods Are Considered “Heating” in Summer
In hot weather, our body naturally tries to stay cool. But some foods are known to increase internal body temperature or create extra metabolic heat during digestion. These are often referred to as “hot” or “heaty” foods in Ayurveda and traditional systems.
🍗 1. Chicken & Mutton
- Why heating?
These are high-protein, dense meats. Digesting them requires more energy, producing more heat in the body. - Effect in summer:
May lead to sweating, acidity, indigestion, heat rashes, or even pimples due to extra body heat. - Better option:
Go for leaner meats like fish or reduce portion sizes and eat them occasionally.
🍇 2. Dates (Khajoor) & Raisins (Kishmish)
- Why heating?
Though nutritious, they are high in natural sugars and considered “ushna” (hot) in Ayurveda. - Effect in summer:
Can cause nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, excessive thirst, or body heat, especially if eaten in large amounts. - Tip:
Soak dates or raisins in water overnight to make them cooling and easier to digest.
🍳 3. Eggs
- Why heating?
Eggs, especially yolks, are rich in protein and fat — again, these require more heat to digest. - Effect in summer:
Might make you feel sluggish or increase internal heat, causing acidity or sweating. - Tip:
Eat in moderation — try just the egg whites or go for boiled instead of fried.
☕ 4. Spicy and Oily Foods
- Why heating?
Spices like chili, pepper, and deep-fried items stimulate metabolism and increase body temperature. - Effect in summer:
Can cause indigestion, acidity, skin eruptions, or restlessness. - Tip:
Use cooling spices like fennel, mint, and coriander instead.
🧄 5. Onions & Garlic (in excess)
- Why heating?
These are considered “rajasik” and “heaty” in Ayurveda — good for winter, but stimulating in summer. - Effect in summer:
In large amounts, they may cause body odor, excess heat, and irritability. - Tip:
Eat raw onion with lemon (it’s a coolant), or cook lightly with cooling ingredients.
🌞 What to Eat Instead? (Cooling Foods)
- Fruits: Watermelon, musk melon, cucumber, oranges
- Veggies: Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, ash gourd, leafy greens
- Grains: Rice, barley
- Dairy: Buttermilk, curd, milk (not hot milk)
- Herbs/Drinks: Mint, coriander, coconut water, aam panna, sattu, rose sharbat
✅ Final Thoughts
In summer, the goal is to stay hydrated, light, and cool. Foods that are heavy, rich, or sugary create a “heater effect” inside the body, leading to fatigue and other heat-related issues. So it’s better to rotate your diet with the seasons — nature gives us what we need at the right time!
