Summer Hydration: Naturally Hydrating Foods Benefits

While we know that the commonsense strategy to fight dehydration is to drink plenty of water, there is another effective alternative. You can also eat to fight dehydration. Hydrating foods can help you combat dehydration on those sweltering summer days. Check out these tips from Brevard Health Alliance for staying hydrated in summer.

What Is the Most Hydrating Food?

The best foods that help you stay hydrated contain high water content and are readily available in summer. They are also rich in nutrients to replenish the electrolytes that you lose as you sweat.[1] The following are the foods that contain the most water.

1. Cucumber

With a moisture content of over 96%, cucumber provides healthy summer hydration.[1] It’s low in calories, at eight calories per half a cup,[3] so it’s safe to consume in large quantities. It contains vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, and it has anti-diabetic properties.[1] It promotes healthy skin, too.[2] It’s easy to procure and consume in salads, sandwiches, or in the form of cucumber water.

2. Celery

Celery has a water content of 95% and is low in calories. It contains only 16 calories per cup.[3] As a source of vitamin K and potassium, it can safeguard against cardiac disease and osteoporosis.[3] Its rich fiber content is good for the gut.[1] It can be had raw, with a healthy dip like Greek yogurt, or in a salad.

3. Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce has a moisture content of over 95% and low carbohydrate and sugar content. It contains ten calories per cup.[3] It’s rich in fiber that regulates digestion, and it is a good source of potassium and folate.[3]

4. Fruit

What kind of fruit should people eat during the summer? People should eat fruits that are high in moisture and low in calories. While fruits may have a higher sugar and calorie content when compared with vegetables, all these foods can help you safely enjoy the outdoors in hot weather.

5. Watermelon

With a water content of 92%, watermelon has 46 calories per cup, which is still relatively low for a portion of sweet food.[3] It has the antioxidant lycopene that protects skin from sun damage and the body from general cell damage.[2] It’s a good source of vitamins, zinc, potassium, and fiber.[1]

Many other fruits and vegetables can keep you hydrated in the summer, like spinach, cantaloupe, and others.[1] With these tips for staying hydrated in summer, you can enjoy the season healthily. If you would like to know more about incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, contact us at Brevard Health Alliance. We’d be happy to share more ways to stay hydrated over the summer.

References:

[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325958

[2] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydrated-these-7-foods-will-satisfy-your-thirst-and-hunger/

[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7