Eat raw onions to avoid heat strokes

Ludhiana, May 6: Consumption of raw onions during this time of year protects a person from sunstroke and use of dried green leafy vegetables like methi and sarson and green 'pudina' (mint leaves) increases the intake of vitamins and minerals during the summer season.

Use of 'pudina chutney' alongwith meals is not only delicious but is also nutritious, according to the household tips prescribed for the summer season by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

Good quality bittergaurds are available at reasonable rate during summer, so make the maximum use of these blood sugar reducing agents. The PAU tips recommend use of mustard oil for sauteing vegetables.

The rising temperature besides causing fatigue, influence the appetite and digestive system. So, avoid eating fried and spicy food during summer and include all food in moderation and at proper intervals to have a good health.

Take plenty of liquids during summers and fluid intake can be improved by drinking lemon water, buttermilk, jal-jeera, panna of raw mangoes, sattu etc. Besides, a variety of squashes mango, lemon, pineapple and sharbats like badam, sandal, gulab, brahmi can be prepared at home.

Use plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, like mangoes, watermelon, muskmelon etc. Consume a lot of salad which should include cucumber, long melon and tomatoes. However the PAU has warned against consuming cut fruits available in the market.

The PAU tips include improving the consumption of milk by making it more delicious. Enjoy mango, banana shake or mix any supplement/sharbat. Milk can be utilized by making delicious sweet dishes like kulfi, custard, kheer etc.

During summers consumption of curd should be increased as it is easily digestible and quiet beneficial for health in the heat.Health complications like fatigue, cracked lips. blister on tongue are common due to vitamin B complex deficiency during summer and the intake of this vitamin can be improved by consuming sprouted pulses and fermented products daily.

The intake of rice also increases during summer. So to get maximum nutrients, wash the rice just once or twices and then cook in an adequate amount of water.

While recommending hygienic water for drinking, the tips also warn of food poisoning during summers. So, avoid eating left-over food and properly reheat the food before serving. Prefer home cooked food and avoid eating outside.

UNI