Summer is here and staying hydrated is important to keep you going throughout the hot day. Dehydration can make you feel tired, cause fatigue, cause pimples, deplete your energy levels etc. Sipping water throughout the day is essential, approx. 4 liters. Not all can gulp down 4 liters of water so it is necessary to keep yourself hydrated with specific foods. Below are the top 15 foods that help you stay hydrated:
- CELERY
Celery is great to put in water in your system. It also makes a great ingredient in salads. Celery contains 95% water which makes it a great summer food. Grab celery and add some peanut butter on it or use peanut butter or almond butter as dip and eat it!
- COCONUT WATER
Coconut water is the best drink to give you a soothing and relaxing feeling on your beach holiday or in the scorching summer heat. It also provides your body with electrolytes and minerals giving you energy.
- POMEGRANATE
Pomegranates not only keep you hydrated but also provide you with antioxidants. Pomegranates also contain ellagic acid, which can help protect your skin from cell damage induced by the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
- CUCUMBER
Cucumbers contain 96% water, are rich in fiber and minerals and are cool. They make a great treat during summer and however you have it, slice or dice it and have it alone, they will take away your thirst.
- WATERMELON
Watermelon contains 92% water and the rest is fiber, minerals and nutrients. Aptly named, it can keep your thirst at bay even during the hottest summer days. Have them chopped with little salt or add in your desserts, salads etc. More: Eat your water >>
- CITRUS FRUITS
Citrus fruits like oranges, grape fruit, Satsuma etc. not only contain 91% water but also contain important electrolytes that help prevent dehydration. It is high in soluble fiber and vitamin C, and contains smaller amounts of vitamins A, B-complex, E and K.
- LETTUCE
Lettuce ranks the top in hydrating foods, thanks to its 96% water content. Though, the sad part is that it is not rich in nutrition, but you should have it because it is high in water content and loaded with fiber. Add it in your salads, burgers, sandwiches etc.
- TOMATOES
Tomatoes and tomato-based products are a major source of an antioxidant called lycopene, which has been proven to provide long-term protection against UV-radiation-induced effects. It also keeps your body hydrated and cool. More: Foods to protect sun damage >>
- APPLES
Apples contain 84% of water. Since apples are rich in water and other vitamins and nutrients too, they make a great energy booster.
- SPINACH
Spinach is rich in fiber and brain boosting foliate. Not only that, it contains 96% water which keeps you hydrated and energetic. Have spinach soup or make a spinach sandwich.
- STRAWBERRY
Strawberries contain 90% of water! It not only tastes great or looks beautiful, but it also hydrates our body and provide it with anti-oxidants. Add it in smoothies, have it dipped in chocolate or simply eat it as it is.
- RASPBERRY
Raspberries just like strawberries contain antioxidants and water approx. 80 percent. Add them in ice creams as a topp9ing, in fruit salads, in shakes etc.
- ZUCCHINI
Zucchini is also rich in manganese which helps process carbohydrates in the body. Steam them up and add in salads and gravies or simply eat them as it is with little pepper, chili powder and black salt. More: Summer food for weight loss >>
- CHERRIES
Cherries contain approx. 81% water and they also contain decent amounts of fiber. Eat them raw, add them in salads, smoothies, shakes etc.
- GRAPES
Grapes are the best fruits you could have to stay hydrated. Grapes contain 85% of water and it also provides you with energy. They are handy to eat and can instantly make you hydrated. Have them raw, in fruit salads or shakes.