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          New Delhi, May 17 With summers in full swing and the   mercury heading north, doctors advise that apart from drinking lots of water, a   special summer diet consisting of light and healthy food would ensure a cool   mind and body.
 |  Ritika Samadar, chief dietician at Max Hospital, said fluids with electrolytes   like coconut water and lemonade should be consumed and oily foods have to be   avoided.
 "In summer, light food should be preferred which can be digested   easily. So, oily and junk food like pizzas, burgers must be avoided," Samadar   said.
 
 Vijai K.S. Shukla, chairperson, Omega 3 Council of India, says that   vegetables with high water content like onions, tomatoes and cucumbers should be   regularly eaten as they will not only cool down the body but provide the daily   quota of nutrition as well.
 
 "For the meat lovers, there is a delicious   alternative to fried chicken and red meat -- roasted or grilled fish which have   high amounts of fatty acids helping in regulating blood pressure, immune   responses and liver function," said Shukla.
 
 Omega 3 Council of India is a   non-profit trade and marketing association promoting intake of Omega 3 fatty   acids for better all round health.
 
 Some of the most beneficial food items   during summer, according to doctors, are:
 
 Gooseberry (Amla): A great   refresher and reverses the ageing effects caused by strong sun rays while   providing extra stamina for gym sessions. It specially benefits heart and   hair.
 
 Apricot: They can be of great help for people who develop acne in   summers as they provide the body with iron, vitamin C, potassium and fibre. They   can be a great pre- or post-workout snack.
 
 Cardamom: A cup of cardamom   tea can do wonders for those who have been in the hot sun for long because of   its detoxifying properties.
 
 Corn: A good source of pantothenic acid,   which provides vitamin B to lower stress levels, corn in any form whether it is   roasted or boiled is a healthy snack as it lowers cholesterol   levels.
 
 Mango: Unripe mangoes can be steamed, pealed and mixed with cumin   seeds and salt to make an effective remedy for heat strokes and exhaustion in   summers.
 
 Butter milk: A glass everyday to avoid dehydration and   indigestion.
 
 Curd and Yoghurt: They are a great and healthy alternative   to ice-cream as they are packed with nutrients, vitamins and calcium which help   to soothe ulcers, allergies and heat boils during the season.
 
 Juices:   Fresh fruit juices, including lemonade, help replenish the body of its lost   fluids.
 
 
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