11 Summer Cooling Foods That Beat Air Conditioning

9. Fennel Seeds (Saunf) — Digestive and Cooling Bite

Fennel seeds, or saunf, are often chewed after meals to freshen breath and soothe the stomach. They contain aromatic oils that give a cooling mouthfeel and ease digestion, which reduces internal heat created by heavy or fried food. Toss a small spoon of roasted fennel seeds into a jar and chew a pinch after lunch or dinner. For a drinkable option, steep a teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water, cool it, and keep the brew chilled to sip during the day. In Indian households, saunf is a pantry staple used both as mouth freshener and as a digestive aid; the same habit works well for readers anywhere. Because the effect is mild and natural, fennel helps you feel less burdened by spicy meals and lowers the frequency you might want to seek mechanical cooling purely for comfort.