When the heat of summer rolls around, one of the first things that people think about is staying hydrated. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can ultimately have a negative impact on your health and well-being.
The best way to hydrate yourself is with water, of course. But drinking water alone can get boring and may not be enough to hydrate your body. Also, not everyone likes the taste of water, and it can get boring to drink it all the time. If you drink water in addition to eating hydrating foods, you’ll hydrate yourself much more effectively. That’s why it’s important to know which foods will keep you hydrated during the hot, humid months.
Read on to learn more about what foods you should be eating to stay hydrated in the summer.
Watermelon
Watermelon is the quintessential summer fruit. It’s refreshing, juicy, and just downright delicious. But did you know that watermelon is one of the best hydrators? With tons of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, this juicy fruit is full of goodness! Watermelon is an excellent source of hydration because it has high water content. It’s also low in calories and has no fat, sodium, or sugar. In addition, watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium.
You can eat watermelon in a variety of ways. You can slice it up and put it on salad, make watermelon juice, or even freeze it and make watermelon popsicles.
Citrus Fruits
Fruits are packed with water-rich nutrients and vitamins that help keep you hydrated. Citrus fruits, in particular, have been shown to have a high hydrating capacity. What this means is that they can hold an adequate amount of water so your body doesn’t have to constantly drink. That means half a cup of oranges has more than enough nutrition to satisfy your thirst and keep you hydrated throughout the day.
The majority of citrus fruits are loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps transport iron from food to your body’s tissues, and pomegranates contain even more than regular oranges do. Papaya contains an abundance of dietary fiber which helps fill you up and keep you regular so you don’t experience constipation or lose too much fluid from not drinking enough water all the time. They also contain plenty of other essential nutrients such as folate, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid), carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin (color pigments), and potassium.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are a great source of hydration. They have a high water content and are low in calories. You can put them in salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. Greens are also high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’ll keep you full longer so you don’t get hungry as often and snack less during the day.
Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all high in water content and make great hydrating foods. Eating a handful of berries every day will ensure you stay hydrated. You can also make a berry smoothie by adding water and some protein powder. That’s a quick and easy way to hydrate yourself. Berries are also high in fiber and are rich in antioxidants that help fight off diseases. They can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a great way to hydrate yourself in the summer months. They contain water, which helps to keep you hydrated and cool. In fact, one cucumber contains 96% water! Cucumbers are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, B6, E and K as well as folate, potassium and thiamine. They’re also a great source of the powerful anti-inflammatory agent lycopene.
If you’re looking for a way to stay hydrated throughout the day, add cucumber to your diet. There are many ways to enjoy cucumbers, such as slicing them into salads or using them in recipes. Some people enjoy them raw, while others prefer to cook them. You can also put them in a smoothie or eat them as a snack.
Bottom Line
Staying hydrated in the summer is important for a number of reasons. Not only will it help to avoid heat stroke and dehydration, but it will also help to keep your energy levels up and improve your overall mood. Make sure to keep a water bottle with you at all times and eat some of these water-rich foods.
