Chicken, mutton, fish, eggs, and seafood are rich in essential nutrients. They provide high-quality protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids — all crucial for muscle strength, immunity, brain, and heart health. No surprise that many fitness enthusiasts include non-veg in their regular diet.

However, consuming non-veg frequently or in large quantities during the summer can lead to increased body heat. This may result in issues like indigestion, acidity, and fatigue.

What the expert says

Priya Paliwal, Chief Dietician at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, explains that meat-heavy meals in hot weather can make digestion sluggish and raise body temperature. But pairing non-veg with certain cooling foods can help counter these effects.

Five Foods to Pair with Non-Veg in Summer

1. Curd:
Acts as a natural coolant and aids digestion. Having curd with your meal balances the heat generated by protein-rich foods.

2. Mint:
Whether added to chutneys or as a garnish, mint helps cool the body and freshens the palate.

3. Lemon:
Adding a few drops of lemon juice to your non-veg dishes makes them easier to digest and boosts vitamin C intake.

4. Cucumber:
Rich in water content, cucumber keeps the body hydrated and helps prevent overheating.

5. Buttermilk or Whey:
Ideal after a heavy meal, buttermilk soothes the stomach and supports digestion.

Additional Tips

• Avoid fried and overly spicy non-veg dishes during summer.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and regulate body temperature.
• Practice portion control, especially with red meat.