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During the hot summer months, foods with a cooling nature will help to keep your system from over-heating and prevent dehydration. Two particularly wonderful foods for this are cucumbers and watermelon, which (despite their very different flavor palate) are actually from the same family of melon plant species. Both supply a refreshingly high water content to keep you hydrated throughout hot summer days, are low in calories, and also have a variety of important nutrients and health benefits. After the jump, learn about these two super foods and some delicious ways to give them a twist.

Xi Gua – Watermelon

Actually accepted as an herbal remedy in Chinese medicine, “Xi Gua” or Watermelon, is superb at draining water retention from the system, cooling off a “hot” digestive tract and can alleviate symptoms like fever, constipation, edema, acid reflux, or excessive thirst. This makes sense due to the large water content, but there is more to this melon than just hydration. A juicy watermelon is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, electrolytes, and B Vitamins. The powerful antioxidants are responsible for reducing “free-radicals” in the body that lead to inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic asthma (and, a myriad of other inflammatory responses). According to Chinese medicine, inflammation is equal to a “heat” pathogen,  so consuming a diet rich in foods that are cooling in nature will yield anti-inflammatory effects. While watermelon tastes absolutely delicious on its own chopped into wedges, there are plenty of ways to otherwise enjoy this fruit.

Sandia Smoothie

Sandia is the Spanish word for watermelon, and I call this recipe by that name because it was at a fruit stand in Costa Rica where I first had this drink. Fill a blender half full with chopped watermelon, add about a half a cup of water and a Tbsp each of lime juice and sugar. Blend well and either sift through a sieve before serving or enjoy a thicker version with the pulp (which is the way I like it). Makes for a refreshing afternoon treat.

Cucumber

Fairly neutral in flavor and low in calories, cucumbers have a surprisingly high nutrient content with loads of anit-inflammatory properties.  The skin of the cucumber contains dietary fiber, Vitamin C and several essential minerals such as Potassium and Magnesium. Cucumbers also contain Silica, which is found in our bodies connective tissue and can diminish as we age – causing brittle nails and hair, dry skin, and wrinkles. This is part of the reason cucumbers are so often used placed over the eyes to reduce puffiness, but the effects go way beyond the exterior and can replenish your system from the inside out when part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Enjoying cucumbers can go way beyond salads and sandwiches (which are great, too, by the way). Many Asian recipes will saute cucumbers with spices and garlic as a vegetable dish, or  they can be blended into a fresh vegetable juice for cool refreshment. Below are a couple of other ways you can try out this peculiar vegetable this summer:

Cucumber Water

Drop a few slices of cucumber in a pitcher or glass of cool water. The subtle flavor is a refreshing infusion of crisp cucumber that yields almost no additional calories than water, and won’t rob you of hydration like other sugary beverages.

Cucumber Watermelon Salad

A great way to pair the two together – a deliciously refreshing combo!

2 Cups Cubed Cucumber

2 Cups Cubed Watermelon

1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

Pinch of coarse Sea Salt

Toss the ingredients together. Serve chilled and immediately after preparing.

Summer Salsa

1 Ripe Avocado, Cubed

1 Ripe Tomato, Cubed

1 Cucumber, Cubed

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Salt, Pepper, Garlic to Taste

Mix together and let stand in the fridge for an hour so the flavors meld. A great addition to chicken, salad or tortilla chips.