When temperatures are scorching, food allows the body to stay hydrated and function normally. BFMTV.com takes stock of the foods to favor… and to avoid.
After an extremely dry month of July, August is also set to be very hot. From this week, a new heat wave will hit France, with peaks of 40°C expected locally in the Southwest. These scorching temperatures will have an effect on the human body and on our plates.
However, you have to stay well hydrated, explains nutritionist-dietician Sandra Ferreira to BFMTV. And therefore favor vegetables and fruits composed mainly of water: “cucumber, radishes and endives, also very rich in water”, she specifies.
Cucumber, watermelon or melon
During a heat wave, the ideal meal “is a very simple salad”, explains Sandra Ferreira. “It has to be raw. It’s important because when the vegetables are cooked, they lose their water.”
On the fruit side, we will choose watermelon “very rich in water and low in calories”, and melon, which can be eaten as a starter or dessert. Strawberries or grapefruit are also good choices.
“The goal is to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can lead to serious complications, such as neurological disorders or even falls”, already explained in August 2020 to BFMTV.com dietician nutritionist Florence Foucaut.
Alcohol and salt to avoid
The two health professionals also advise to avoid drinking too much alcohol. While beers can feel refreshing when they come out of the fridge, they are dehydrating.
“A priori, it quenches your thirst, but not at all because it is diuretic”, explains Sandra Ferreira. “As an aperitif, fat and salt are also to be avoided”, continues the nutritionist.
Rather than crisps or cold cuts, she therefore recommends small fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or slices of cucumber. The important thing is above all to drink water regularly throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty. Minimum 1.5 liters per day, maximum 2.5 liters.