Because we sweat a lot in the summer, we need to frequently replenish our body's water supply. Besides drinking water, what other foods also have hydrating properties? And what are the best hydrating fruits for the summer? Let's take a look together!
1. Cucumber, 96.7% water content
Cucumber is the best food for hydration in the summer, with the highest water content of all foods. Cucumbers can be used in salads or made into cold dishes. Making a chilled drink with cucumber, yogurt, mint, and ice cubes is also a great choice.
2. Lettuce, 95.6% water content
Normally, nutritionists are more likely to recommend high-fiber vegetables like spinach. But when it comes to hydration, lettuce beats them by a lot. When summer arrives, eating lettuce as a side for sandwiches or other main dishes is a very healthy way to stay hydrated.
3. Celery, 95.4% water content
Celery is very low in energy, but the large amount of water and dietary fiber it contains can effectively suppress appetite. In addition, celery is also rich in folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Because celery contains a lot of water, it can also neutralize stomach acid and effectively treat discomforts like heartburn.
4. Radish, 95.3% water content
Radishes are perfect for spring and summer. They have a sweet and spicy flavor, vibrant color, and a crisp texture, making them very suitable for mixing with other vegetables in salads.
5. Tomato, 94.5% water content
Tomatoes are a great hydrating food. If eaten with foods like grapes and cherries, the hydrating effect will be even better.
6. Bell pepper, 93.9% water content
All fresh peppers contain a lot of water, especially bell peppers. The antioxidant components it contains are no less than other peppers. If you're tired of using vegetables like carrots and celery for salads, bell peppers might provide some variety.
7. Cauliflower, 92.1% water content
Don't underestimate cauliflower. It not only contains a large amount of water but can also lower cholesterol and fight cancer. A 2012 study found that cruciferous vegetables, especially cauliflower, can effectively reduce the risk of breast cancer.
8. Watermelon, 91.5% water content
It's obvious that watermelon is rich in water, and it also contains antioxidants like lycopene, making it a good choice for summer hydration.
9. Spinach, 91.4% water content
Spinach is more hydrating than water-rich lettuce. It is rich in chlorophyll, potassium, dietary fiber, and folic acid, which is good for brain health. In addition, eating 1 cup (about 71 grams) of spinach leaves can meet 15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin E, which helps prevent the body from free radical damage and thus fight aging.
10. Starfruit, 91.4% water content
Starfruit is a tropical fruit with high water content and a taste similar to pineapple. Its striking appearance makes it a great ingredient for fruit platters. It is rich in various antioxidants and is good for heart health. It should be noted that because starfruit has a high oxalic acid content, people with kidney disease should eat it in moderation.
11. Strawberry, 91% water content
All berries help the body replenish water, but strawberries are the most accessible and easiest to eat berries. Strawberries can be added to yogurt to help supplement dietary fiber, probiotics, and protein, making them an excellent food after a workout.
12. Broccoli, 90.7% water content
Broccoli is rich in dietary fiber, potassium, carotene, and vitamin C. It is the only cruciferous vegetable that contains sulforaphane, a substance that can improve the human immune system and help remove carcinogens from the body.
13. Grapefruit, 90.5% water content
Studies have found that this juicy and tangy citrus fruit helps lower blood lipids and reduce waist circumference. Eating one grapefruit a day can lower bad cholesterol by 15.5% and triglyceride levels by 27%. In addition, certain components in grapefruit also help burn fat, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce appetite.
14. Baby carrots, 90.4% water content
Baby carrots have a higher water content than mature carrots, which only have 88.3% water. Baby carrots are convenient to carry and can be eaten as a snack anytime. They can also be eaten with dip or added to cold dishes.
15. Cantaloupe, 90.2% water content
Cantaloupe is rich in water and low in calories. A 6-ounce (about 170-gram) serving of cantaloupe contains only 50 calories but can meet the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
The above introduces hydrating foods for the summer. Eating more of these hydrating foods can help our bodies stay hydrated and cool down.