Foods to COOL you down this SUMMER

Can't stand the summer heat? Here are some foods and beverages that will help lower your body temperature, making you feel refreshed and light.

Fresh, raw food or food that has been lightly cooked. Try steaming, water sauteing, or blanching the things you eat this summer. Food prepared using these methods are less likely to raise body heat (as compared to high-heat cooking processes such as frying).

Fruits. Grapes, apples, bananas, pears, peaches, dragon fruit, star fruit, watermelon, honeydew melon, and citrus fruits like oranges are most effective in helping you cool down this summer since these have a high water content. If you can't eat them on their own, toss it in a salad or mix it with other ingredients to whip up a tasty smoothie.

Vegetables. Like fruits, vegetables that contain lots of water can help you feel energized and light this summer -- cucumber, celery, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, avocado, summer squash, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, brocolli, bok choy, snap peas, asparagus, cauliflower, corn, sprouts, radish, and leafy greens. Add these to your favorite dish and you're all set to beat the summer heat.

Water. We often think of flavored drinks when we want to chill this summer that we forget the simplest solution -- a glass of iced water. This will not only quench your thirst, it's healthy for your body too.

Halo-halo, mais con hielo or buko pandan. These local treats are sure to make any summer cool as ice -- and they're easy to make too. Just add your favorite ingredients, and you're all set.