Hydrating Foods to Eat This 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 real life. In fact, in addition to "drinking water," "eating water" is also crucial. A recent article in the US magazine "Health" points out that about 20% of the water we consume daily comes from solid foods. Here are 15 water-rich foods with a water content of at least 90%.

Cauliflower, 92.1% water. 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.

Radish, 95.3% water. Radish is perfect for spring and summer, with its sweet and spicy flavor, vibrant color, and crisp texture, making it ideal for mixing with other vegetables in salads.

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

Spinach, 91.4% water. Spinach is more hydrating than water-rich lettuce. It's rich in chlorophyll, potassium, dietary fiber, and folate, which is beneficial for brain health. Furthermore, one cup (about 71 grams) of spinach leaves can meet 15% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin E, which helps prevent damage from free radicals and thus fight aging.

Lettuce, 95.6% water. Normally, nutritionists are more inclined to recommend high-fiber vegetables like spinach. But when it comes to hydration, lettuce surpasses 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.

Shrimp and Lettuce Cups

Starfruit, 91.4% water. Starfruit is a tropical fruit rich in water with a pineapple-like flavor. Its striking appearance makes it a great ingredient for fruit platters. It is rich in various antioxidants that are good for heart health. It should be noted that because starfruit is high in oxalic acid, people with kidney disease should eat it in moderation.

Strawberries, 91% water. All berries help the body rehydrate, but strawberries are the most accessible 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 human immune system and help eliminate carcinogens from the body.

Celery, 95.4% water. Celery is very low in energy, but its high water and dietary fiber content can effectively suppress appetite. In addition, celery is also rich in folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Because celery contains a lot of water, it can also neutralize stomach acid and effectively relieve discomforts like heartburn.

Celery, Lily Bulbs, and Cashew Nuts Stir-fry

Grapefruit, 90.5% water. Research has found that this juicy, citrusy 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 can also help burn fat, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce appetite.

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

Cantaloupe, 90.2% water. 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.

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 vegetables like carrots and celery in your salad, maybe bell peppers can offer you some variety.

Cucumber, 96.7% water. Cucumber is the best food for summer hydration, 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 option.

Cucumber Juice