5 familiar foods to help ‘cool down’ the hot season

Prolonged intense heat makes the body easily dehydrated, increases sweating and makes the skin more sensitive. During these hot days of summer, many people often experience dry, oily, dull, acne-prone or less fresh skin.

Doctor 1 Nguyen Tran Nhu Thuy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital – Campus 3, said that on hot days, besides sun protection, proper skin cleansing, appropriate moisturizing and enough sleep, daily diet also plays an important role in helping to care for the skin from the inside. Among them, vegetables are a food group that should be regularly added to the menu, because they provide abundant water, fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that are beneficial for health.

According to traditional medicine, some vegetables have cooling properties and are often preferred for use in summer meals to help clear heat and bring a pleasant feeling to the body. When used properly, vegetables not only help make summer meals lighter and more diverse, but also contribute to nourishing healthy skin.

Below are familiar vegetables you can include in your menu on hot days:

Squash

Winter melon is an extremely familiar fruit in Vietnamese meals, especially in hot season soups. According to traditional medicine, squash has cool properties and a light taste, very suitable for meals that require frugality and are easy to digest.

Nutritionally, this fruit contains a very high water content, helping the body maintain enough water in hot weather. For those who want to take care of their skin through a healthy diet, squash is an ideal choice because it is both easy to buy and easy to prepare.

• Use: Cook squash soup with lean meat, shrimp, bones or drink cooked squash juice.

• Note: Do not drink raw squash juice regularly. In particular, people with weak digestive systems should avoid using it because it can easily cause colds or diarrhea.

Green bean prices

Green bean sprouts are foods rich in water, fiber and contain many vitamins. This is a very easy to prepare ingredient, helping to enrich the menu on hot days. Oriental medicine notes that green bean sprouts have cooling properties and are often used in dishes to help clear heat. When incorporated into a balanced diet, this food helps supplement fiber, supports the digestive system and provides a source of fresh vegetables for the body.

• Use: Boil, stir-fry, cook soup or make mixed salad after thoroughly preparing.

• Note: You should choose a clean source of prices, ensuring food safety and hygiene. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, people with weak resistance or chronic diseases should prioritize eating cooked bean sprouts.

White radish

White radish has a light taste, is easy to prepare, and often appears in soups, stews or braised dishes. According to traditional medicine, this root has cooling properties, helps support digestion and brings a gentle feeling to the body after eating.

White radish possesses abundant water, fiber and vitamin C. These are essential ingredients in a healthy diet, contributing to overall health and skin health. However, users should not mistakenly think that eating white radish can whiten skin, treat melasma, or replace intensive skin care measures.

• Use: Cook soup, stew with lean meat, bones, shrimp, braise with beef… or use a moderate amount for stir-fried dishes.

• Note: People with weak digestive systems, easily cold stomachs or suffering from digestive disorders should not eat regularly. Pregnant women can use it with regular meals, but absolutely do not abuse juice or eat too much for a long time.

Potato

Potatoes are a rich source of starch, fiber, potassium and vitamin C. When prepared by steaming, boiling or cooking, potatoes become part of a balanced diet, helping to replenish energy and essential nutrients.

It should be noted that in hot season skin care, potatoes absolutely cannot replace sunscreen, protective measures or moisturizers. However, when used properly, potatoes still contribute to supporting the body’s basic health.

• Use: Steam, boil, make soup, stew or stew with other vegetables.

• Note: Absolutely do not use sprouted potatoes, potatoes with skin that turns green or has a bitter taste because they contain harmful toxins. In addition, you should limit fried potatoes, spicy potato shakes or greasy dishes because they are not good for your skin and weight.

Peas

Peas are a food rich in fiber, vegetable protein, vitamins and minerals. This type of bean is easily combined in many dishes such as soup, porridge, salad, rice or stews.

In the summer menu, peas not only enrich the meal but also provide fiber and necessary nutrients. When combined with many other vegetables, this food will contribute to improving overall health, thereby nourishing healthy skin from the inside.

• Use: Cook soup, porridge, salad, make fried rice with little oil or stew with meat, shrimp, vegetables.

• Note: Do not eat too many peas in one meal because it can cause bloating and indigestion in some people. Particularly people with gout or those who need to strictly control their protein intake should consult a nutritionist for a suitable regimen.