6 Perfect Foods to Eat During the High Discomfort Index 'Summer'

Corn

Corn is considered the best snack of the summer. Corn is rich in vitamin B, which helps combat fatigue. It also has low fat content and is high in dietary fiber, making it a good diet food. In particular, it is known that one ear of corn contains about 10 grams of soluble dietary fiber. This amount is equivalent to five kiwis or seven peaches. According to research from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in the United States, consuming 10 grams of soluble dietary fiber daily can also help eliminate visceral fat. Additionally, corn has the effect of preventing constipation.

Among fish, hairtail is in season. Hairtail is rich in essential amino acids such as lysine, phenylalanine, and methionine, which promote children's growth and development. Since 85% of the fatty acids that make up fat are unsaturated fatty acids, it helps prevent adult diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Additionally, hairtail contains a high amount of iodine, a component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, which has anticancer effects. Moreover, hairtail is rich in tryptophan, which produces serotonin, known as the "happiness hormone," making it beneficial for alleviating insomnia.

Tomatoes have a very low calorie content of about 22 kcal, making them effective for dieting. In particular, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a component with excellent antioxidant effects that helps eliminate active oxygen, thereby preventing aging and cancer. In fact, there is a study showing that people who regularly eat tomatoes have a 53% lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer compared to those who do not. Lycopene is a fat-soluble nutrient that dissolves in oil, and consuming it by roasting or stir-frying with oil increases its absorption rate in the body. On the other hand, many people sprinkle sugar on tomatoes, but this causes the loss of vitamin B complex in the tomatoes and raises blood sugar levels. It is recommended to eat them raw whenever possible.

Peaches are rich in water and vitamins, making them good for restoring skin damaged by strong summer sunlight. Additionally, compounds such as asparagine, glutamine, and citric acid found abundantly in peaches help relieve stress, and the vitamins and minerals in peaches assist in eliminating fatigue. Peaches are also effective in preventing aging, as the beta-carotene content in peaches inhibits the activity of reactive oxygen species that cause cell aging. However, peaches contain a lot of sugar and can quickly raise blood sugar levels, so diabetics should avoid consuming them in excess.

Sour plums are most delicious in July and August. The vitamins in plums help eliminate fatigue and boost immunity. In particular, vitamin K in plums promotes the metabolic process of bone formation, helping to increase bone density. Additionally, plums are rich in phenolic phytochemicals that have effects such as anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular intake of phenolic phytochemicals has been reported to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart conditions. However, since plums contain a lot of acidic components, people with weak digestive systems should be cautious. Eating too much can cause symptoms like diarrhea or stomach pain due to indigestion.

Balloon flower roots, which can be used in various dishes, are in season from July to August. If you catch a summer cold due to the hot outdoor weather and the cold indoor air conditioning, try drinking balloon flower root tea. The saponins that give balloon flower roots their bitter taste promote mucus secretion in the bronchi, protecting the bronchi from external substances. Balloon flower roots also help prevent cardiovascular diseases because they contain a substance called inulin, which lowers blood cholesterol levels and maintains stable blood sugar levels. For these reasons, traditional Korean medicine has long used balloon flower roots as medicinal herbs. The 'Dongui Bogam' states that 'Gilgeong,' which refers to balloon flower roots, helps circulate lung qi and treats symptoms of chest heat and shortness of breath.