By Vanessa Wilkerson, Healing the Body
As the peak of the summer heat is upon us, indulging in the enjoyable and therapeutic qualities of a chilled gazpacho soup can surely revive and refresh. More than half of the ingredients in this recipe possess hydrating and cooling ingredients, such as cucumbers, cilantro, limes, and pineapple.
Cucumbers, which contain up to 95% water, offer hydration as well as a cooling effect on the body. Cilantro is also known for its cooling properties, particularly noted by Ayurvedic medicine to be a powerful herb for cooling the ‘pitta’ dosha, the Ayurveda body-type classification system of which pitta is related to as “fire”. Cilantro is also a great detoxifier and digestive aid. Limes have cooling and astringent qualities. And pineapple, with all its juiciness, makes for a perfect treat this time of year.
