Summer Sips & Snacks: Foods That Cool and Foods That Heat

7. Zucchini

Zucchini is one of summer’s most underrated cooling heroes. This water-rich veggie is easy on digestion, low in calories, and packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. It doesn’t spike your internal heat like starchy vegetables can, and it plays well in both raw and cooked forms. Spiralize it into zoodles, shave it into salads, grill it lightly, or even blend it into chilled soups. Its mellow flavor and high hydration content make it a go-to when you want nourishment without the heaviness. Zucchini proves that cooling foods don’t have to be boring.

But Wait—Not All Foods Cool You Down...

While some ingredients are perfect for beating the heat, others do the exact opposite—quietly turning up your internal thermostat. Whether they’re boosting metabolism, stimulating circulation, or simply tough to digest in hot weather, these foods can leave you feeling warmer than you bargained for. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid them entirely—but it does mean you’ll want to choose wisely when the sun’s blazing. Up next: the surprising (and often sneaky) foods that heat you up. Some may even be sitting in your pantry right now.