Heatwaves in most parts of the country can lead to serious health issues, which include dehydration, fatigue, and other life-threatening complications. To beat the heat naturally, apart from taking important measures, you need to eat some foods that provide a cooling effect to your body. Betel or paan leaves are unique to South Asia, particularly India.

Paan holds a spiritual significance in Indian culture, with their history dating back almost five thousand years. These heart-shaped leaves also have miraculous health benefits—apart from having medicinal properties, paan leaves can help you stay cool in scorching temperatures.

Betel leaves have high moisture with low fat and calorie count, and so, they make a great source of water. Since it is important to hydrate in summer, you can either chew the leaves right before leaving your house or have them added to smoothies or drinks to prevent dehydration.

You can make paan shots by mixing betel leaves with gulkand, fennel seeds, grated coconut, rock sugar, and a cup of water to help you beat the summer heat effectively.

Betel leaves are a rich source of antioxidants like vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, and carotene. They are also a powerhouse of calcium—which is great for your joints and bones.

Chewing betel leaves, especially after meals, provides carminative, intestinal, and anti-flatulent benefits, which are helpful in protecting your gut in the long run. Betel leaves also help boost your metabolism, which ensures smooth blood circulation and stimulates the intestines to absorb vital vitamins and nutrients.

Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, betel leaves also clear radicals from your body—thereby restoring normal pH levels that help an upset stomach and provide relief from constipation.

Summers are an uncomfortable time for those battling diabetes and high blood sugar levels. Many studies have revealed that betel leaf powder has the potential to lower blood sugar spikes in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Betel leaf is a strong antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and lower inflammation caused by uncontrolled blood glucose.

Betel leaves are also used as a natural remedy for stimulating the central nervous system function. Experts say the presence of aromatic phenolic compounds in betel leaves stimulates the release of catecholamines, which enhance the sense of well-being and uplift your mood.

With high pollution levels, betel leaves can come to the rescue of those with respiratory and lung issues. They are also helpful in treating weather-induced coughs and colds. It is an excellent cure for those suffering from chest and lung congestion and asthma. Apply some mustard oil on the leaf, warm it, and place it on the chest to cure congestion. You can also boil a few paan leaves in water and add cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon to two cups of water. Reduce it to 1 cup and consume this concoction two to three times a day for excellent relief from congestion and breathing issues.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.