Hot weather and food

[Steve Solano]

Regarding the recent heat wave, what types of foods should be eaten to help with hydration and prevent heat exhaustion.

Thanks in advance.

[Robb Wolf]

As a baseline plenty of fruits and veggies as they provide water and electrolytes. Something a little higher end would be ramping up the intake of capsicum containing foods like hot peppers and paprika. Capsicum has a direct effect on the hypothalamus that decreases body temperature, thus easing the challenge of high temperatures a bit. This is perhaps why hot foods are so popular in warm climate areas. Carne Asada anyone?