As temperatures climb and power bills soar, most of us reach for the nearest cold drink or crank up the AC. But Indian households once had a simpler, smarter solution: traditional summer foods designed to cool the body from the inside out.

Rooted in Ayurveda and regional wisdom, these dishes weren’t just about taste—they helped people stay hydrated, improve digestion, and beat the summer heat, all while using ingredients found in everyday kitchens.

Here are some of India’s most beloved cooling foods that deserve a second look this summer:

1. Curd rice: A southern comfort

• What it is: This dish combines cooled rice with curd and is lightly seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies.
• Where it’s popular: It goes by different names across the country—thayir sadam in Tamil Nadu, mosaranna in Karnataka, and dahi chawal in North India.
• Why it helps: It is packed with probiotics, supports gut health, and helps lower body temperature.
• Good to know: It’s easy........
  

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