Newsletters
A food engineering professor at Harran University is encouraging people to drink more water and eat lighter, vegetable-based meals during the summer. He warns that higher temperatures can seriously affect the body's fluid and mineral balance.
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Hayoglu told Anadolu Agency (AA) in Sanliurfa that children, older adults, and people with chronic health problems are at greatest risk of dehydration in hot weather. He said they should be especially careful.
'Insufficient water intake can lead to fatigue, blood pressure problems, and a range of other health issues,' Hayoglu said.
He recommends that adults drink at least 2 liters of water each day.
He also suggests drinking water throughout the day instead of all at once. If you find plain water hard to drink, he recommends adding mint, lemon, or lemon rind to make it taste better and help you drink more.
Hayoglu explained that when you sweat, your body loses important minerals as well as fluids. He said that drinking sparkling mineral water with potassium and magnesium can help replace these minerals, reduce tiredness, and keep your energy up in hot weather.
The professor pointed out that eating fruits and vegetables high in water content helps keep your body hydrated and supports overall health during the summer.
He said watermelon is especially high in potassium, which helps you stay strong and feel less tired. However, he warned that fruit contains natural sugars and should be eaten in moderation. He suggests having one or two slices of watermelon with some cheese for breakfast or as a snack to make the meal more balanced.
Hayoglu recommends eating less heavy and fatty foods, such as meat, during the summer.
'Preferring light, vegetable-heavy meals and reducing or even eliminating meat and similar heavy, fatty foods is more beneficial for health,' he said. 'Vegetable dishes prepared with a small amount of olive oil should take priority. Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, and peas are good choices.'
He also mentioned that cold yogurt soups, tomato soups, plain yogurt, ayran, and cacik are good choices in hot weather. These foods help keep your energy and mineral levels up and cool you down.
Ayran, a traditional Turkish cold drink made from yogurt, water, and salt, has long been a summer favorite in Türkiye. Cacik, a cold dish made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, is also popular and serves a similar purpose.
Besides giving diet advice, Hayoglu said three groups need to be especially careful in hot weather: children, because their bodies do not regulate temperature as well; older adults, who may not feel thirsty as quickly; and people with chronic illnesses, since dehydration and heat can worsen their conditions.
For everyone, he stressed that you should start drinking water before you feel thirsty, because thirst usually means your body has already started to lose fluids.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
