The humid summer weather often causes disharmonies in our bodies, resulting in a lack of energy and sicknesses. From a Chinese medicine point of view, the consumption of "yin" foods like barley and watermelon would help disperse summer heat and dampness.1 Rich in assorted nutrients, the foods also provide other health benefits.
Barley
- Potassium, helps lower blood pressure.2
- Fiber, lowers cholesterol levels and helps keep your heart healthy. It also promotes gut health and prevents constipation.2
- The antioxidants and phytochemicals alleviate inflammation.3
Watermelon
- The water content and electrolytes help tame hot temperatures and prevent heat stroke.4
- Rich in antioxidants including lycopene, which helps protect cells from free radicals, slowing down aging and preventing cancer in the process.5
- The watermelon rind, makes a wonderful topical skin remedy for heat rashes.
Here are two easy-to-make summer drink recipes that can help you beat the heat.
Chinese pearl barley water6
Ingredients
- 100g raw Chinese pearl barley
- 2L cold water
- Rock sugar (optional)
Steps
- Rinse barley and add to saucepan.
- Add cold water and bring to boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stir occasionally.
- Add rock sugar to taste.
Watermelon Lemonade7
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon
- 250ml lemon juice
- 100g golden caster sugar
- 1L soda water
- 1 lime (sliced)
- Mint
- Ice
Steps
- Cut the top off watermelon and hollow out. Put mashed flesh in blender with juice and sugar. Whizz to purée. Stir in soda.
- Heap ice into watermelon and fill with lemonade mixture. Serve rest in jug with lime and mint.
With the great heat just around the corner, now would be a good time to try out these cooling drinks!
Sources
- https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health/article/1046092/traditional-chinese-medicine. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295268.php. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2017/06/14/all-the-health-benefits-of-barley-the-cheap-super-grain_a_22223389/. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-watermelon/. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- http://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/library-health-news/5166-watermelon-s-surprising-health-benefits. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- https://www.acupunctureandherbs.co.uk/lilys-blog/2016/7/29/recipe-for-chinese-pearl-barley-water-. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/watermelon-lemonade. Viewed on 07 July 2018.
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
