Cool as a Cucumber

During the dog days of summer staying cool is a priority. We can avoid the heat of mid day by staying indoors, hydrate by drinking lots of water and fresh vegetable juices, and we can also cool our bodies with what we eat. Cucumbers are an excellent cooling food due to their high water content and anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumber and Mint Salad is a Middle Eastern inspired macrobiotic dish; and Cucumber, Tomato and Basil Salad comes from my Italian mother's garden. Either way, you can't go wrong: these two salads are as delicious as they are healthy.