Hydrating foods to eat in summer.

Introduction: The idea that "you should drink 8 glasses of water a day" is deeply ingrained. However, people often find it difficult to achieve this in daily life. In fact, besides "drinking water," "eating water" is also crucial. A recent article in the American magazine "Health" points out that about 20% of the water we consume daily comes from solid foods. Here are 15 water-rich foods with at least 90% water content.

Cucumber, 96.7% water. Cucumber is the best food for staying hydrated in the summer, with the highest water content of all foods. It can be used in salads or as a cold dish. Making a chilled drink with cucumber, yogurt, mint, and ice cubes is also a great choice.

Lettuce, 95.6% water. Nutritionists often prefer high-fiber vegetables like spinach. But when it comes to hydration, lettuce is significantly higher in water. In the summer, adding lettuce as a side to sandwiches or other main dishes is a very healthy way to stay hydrated.

Celery, 95.4% water. Celery is very low in energy, but its high water and dietary fiber content can effectively suppress appetite. Additionally, celery is rich in folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Due to its high water content, it can also neutralize stomach acid and effectively relieve discomfort like heartburn.

Sautéed Celery with Sausage

Radish, 95.3% water. Radishes are perfect for spring and summer, with a sweet-spicy flavor, vibrant color, and crisp texture, making them ideal for salads with other vegetables.

Tomato, 94.5% water. Tomatoes are great for hydration, and the effect is even better when paired with foods like grapes and cherries.

Bell pepper, 93.9% water. All fresh peppers contain a lot of water, especially bell peppers. Its antioxidant content is no less than other peppers. If you're tired of carrots and celery in salads, bell peppers can offer a change.

Watermelon, 91.5% water. It's obvious that watermelon is rich in water, and it also contains antioxidants like lycopene, making it a good choice for summer hydration.

Cauliflower, 92.1% water. Don't underestimate cauliflower; it not only contains a lot 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.

Sautéed Cauliflower with Cherry Tomatoes

Cantaloupe, 90.2% water. Cantaloupe is water-rich 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.

Starfruit, 91.4% water. Starfruit is a tropical fruit rich in water, with a taste similar to pineapple. Its striking appearance makes it a great ingredient for fruit platters. It is rich in various antioxidants, which are good for heart health. Note that due to its high oxalic acid content, people with kidney disease should eat it in moderation.

Strawberry, 91% water. All berries help the body stay hydrated, but strawberries are the most common and easiest to eat. Strawberries can be added to yogurt to help supplement dietary fiber, probiotics, and protein, making them an excellent post-workout food.

Broccoli, 90.7% water. Broccoli is rich in dietary fiber, potassium, carotene, and vitamin C. It is the only cruciferous vegetable that contains sulforaphane, a substance that can boost the immune system and help remove carcinogens from the body.

Sautéed Broccoli with Mushrooms

Grapefruit, 90.5% water. Studies have found that this juicy, tangy citrus fruit can help lower blood lipids and reduce waist circumference. Eating one grapefruit a day can lower bad cholesterol by 15.5% and triglyceride levels by 27%. Additionally, certain components in grapefruit can help burn fat, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce appetite.

Baby carrot, 90.4% water. Baby carrots have a higher water content than mature carrots, which have only 88.3% water. Baby carrots are convenient to carry and can be eaten as a snack anytime. They can also be dipped in sauce or added to cold dishes.

Spinach, 91.4% water. Spinach is more hydrating than water-rich lettuce. It is rich in chlorophyll, potassium, dietary fiber, and folic acid, which is beneficial for brain health. Furthermore, 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, thus fighting aging.

Mussels with Spinach