11 Summer Cooling Foods That Beat Air Conditioning

4. Mint — Aromatic, Digestive Cooler

Mint cools by activating a mentholated sensation in the mouth and throat, which feels pleasantly cooling even without lowering body temperature dramatically. It also aids digestion, which reduces internal heat produced during heavy meals. Use mint leaves to make a quick mint-water infusion by crushing leaves in a pitcher of cold water, or blend them with lemon and a touch of jaggery for a mint-lime cooler. In Indian kitchens, mint chutney is a go-to that pairs with snacks and helps counteract strong spices. A small glass of mint-infused water after a meal can calm the stomach and keep you comfortable in hot weather. Mint grows easily in pots, so growing a small plant on a sunny window sill is a practical way to have fresh leaves year-round. For readers in North America, fresh mint is widely available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets, making it an easy and aromatic way to reduce the urge to rely solely on mechanical cooling.