Heatwave diet: Why cucumber, lemon water, bael or basil seeds are more hydrating than you think

Lemon water: A good source of vitamin C, lemons keep the body alkaline, ease digestion and can be an easy substitute for other beverages. With a bit of rind or mint leaves, lemon water makes a great infusion drink for the day and suppresses the appetite for unnecessary snacking.

Bael or stone apple: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it keeps the body cool with its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In fact, one of the antioxidants in the stem bark of bael fruit decreases plasma insulin levels and fasting blood glucose.

Basil seeds: Also known as sabja seeds, these have a cooling effect on the body. Besides they are appetite suppressants and can, therefore, help in managing weight. They are diuretic and can help control blood sugar.

Buttermilk: A thin consistency of buttermilk made with black salt, asafoetida and cumin powder is refreshing, soothing and a great digestive when had during hot afternoons, especially post-lunch.

Watermelon: It is probably the best source of hydration as it is made up of about 92 per cent water. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C. While watermelon has a higher glycaemic index (GI) at 72, a measure of how quickly food raises blood sugar levels, but a serving of it has so little carbohydrate that its glycaemic load (glucose per serving) is only 5.

Cucumbers: Low in calories, cucumbers are around 96 per cent water and can bring down body heat. Loaded with fibres, these are a key ingredient of summer salads, keeping you full and helping relieve constipation, a common summer malady.

Tomatoes: With approximately 94 per cent water, tomatoes are a great source of hydration, besides being rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fibre. They are anti-inflammatory and lycopene, the compound that gives them a red colour, may help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol as well as your blood pressure.

Strawberries: These juicy berries are about 91 per cent water and are a flavourful way to hydrate while also providing vitamin C and fibre. They are without any sodium, fat or cholesterol. They are among the top 20 high-antioxidant fruits and are a good source of manganese and potassium. Just one serving—about eight berries—provides more vitamin C than an orange. Polyphenols in strawberries improve insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic adults.