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Experts Detail The Foods That Will Help You Beat The Summer Heat

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- What you eat can really impact how you feel. That is especially true in the middle of a record-breaking heat wave. There are, however, some foods that can help you beat the heat.

When the weather gets hot and hazy, for some people food just isn't appealing. But experts say there are foods that can help you deal with the hot weather.

"We need to be eating light meals, eating often, and we also want to make sure we replace a lot of the water that we lose when we're sweating," Dietitian Rebecca Scritchfield told CBS 2's Cindy Hsu.

Holistic heath counselor Andrea Beaman said watermelon is a good food that helps to replenish lost fluids.

"Literally it's water. Like if you think about a car, when you put water into the car it acts as a coolant. That's what watermelon is, it is a coolant for your system," Beaman said. "Eat light, eat fresh, eat water-filled foods and you'll be cool as a cucumber."

Other water-dense fruits include peaches, nectarines and grapes. Crisp and leafy greens, tomatoes and cucumbers are also good choices. Adding herbs like mint and basil can have a cooling effect. Cool soups and salads can help as well.

Dr. Lisa Ganhju suggests avoiding dense heavy foods and watching your portions. She said it's more difficult to digest food in extreme heat.

"During the heat, our digestive tract is a little bit sluggish," Ganhju said. "I would definitely avoid a high fatty or high fried meal, like french fries or burgers."

"Your best sources of fat in this heat are going to be fat from seeds and nuts and avocados," Scritchfield said.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and natural sports drinks to stay hydrated. Also stick to non-carbonated beverages and pay attention to labels.

"It's important not to drink a lot of sugary, sweet drinks. Don't drink a lot of highly caffeinated drinks -- all of those drinks are going to really dehydrate you," Ganhju said.

Popsicles may be a better option over ice cream because Ganhju said the "huge load of fat and sugar may not make you feel so good afterward."

Ironically, eating spicy foods and hot peppers works for some people because they make you sweat, which in turn cools you down.

What Are Some Foods You Eat That Help You Stay Cool?  Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Section...

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