Dangerous foods in summer: what to avoid during high temperatures

With the arrival of summer, one of the most pressing issues becomes proper nutrition. Excessive heat can create certain health risks for humans. In such weather conditions, the strain on the body (especially on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine systems) significantly increases, which raises the risk of developing various disorders. Currently, the temperature in the country reaches 40 degrees. So how should one eat properly in such heat? Which products should be preferred, and which ones should be avoided?

Nutrition expert Aga Salamov, in a comment for BAKU.WS, recommends paying attention to seasonal products:

"Now is definitely the season for melons and watermelons. Preference should be given to watermelons, melons, cheese, and dairy products in general. In addition, a person needs protein and meat. Just include meat in your diet twice a week. Naturally, it's worth giving preference to seasonal fruits and vegetables right now."

The specialist also noted which products are better to avoid during hot months:

"You should avoid fatty foods and flour products. Flour products slightly raise body temperature; these are carbohydrates that increase the body's temperature. You need to limit sweets and bread. It would be good to eat bread by mixing it with yogurt. Besides fatty foods, you should avoid salads with mayonnaise. They can cause poisoning. Instead of mayonnaise salads, it's better to consume salads prepared with olive oil and vinegar."

Aga Salamov emphasized that the consumption of seasonal fruits and their juices is especially advisable in summer.

The expert noted that preference should be given to clean water, not colored and carbonated drinks:

"During these months, the need for clean water increases. Of course, doctors know this well; it's necessary to improve kidney function. Not colored and carbonated drinks... That is, the colored drinks that we often buy in stores are harmful to us. These drinks can be consumed at weddings and engagements for variety of taste. But now, for cooling, cold water is preferable. However, cold water does not prevent sweating and does not have special cooling properties. For cooling, it's worth turning to teas. You can brew and drink teas made from mint, rose hips, thyme growing in the mountains of Azerbaijan."

For proper and balanced nutrition in summer, it is necessary to follow some rules.

It is recommended to drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water per day (this amount can be increased depending on physical activity). Abundant eating instead of satisfying hunger can have the opposite effect. Therefore, it is recommended to eat frequently but in small portions.

Dinner should be lighter and should be taken no later than 3 hours before sleep.