Foods that have high water content are great for the hot summer. It can keep you hydrated and refreshed. Food with high water content are low in calories and full of nutrients.
Due to our fast paced lifestyle we tend to not drink 8 glasses of water a day. Do not worry about dehydration, since we mostly get 20% percent of water intake in the foods we eat! But drinking water is still essential for our general well being.
Here are some hydrating foods to keep you refreshed and healthy during the summer heat.
Watermelon 91.5% water content
Watermelon is widely known for its rich water content. This refreshing fruit is great for the summer because it can keep you hydrated and full. It is also rich in cancer fighting components, antioxidants and lycopene.
Putting melon in the freezer is a great and refreshing treat during the summer. It can also work in water, cut up a few cubes of melon and put it in water for a refreshing twist.
Iceberg lettuce 95.6% water content
Nutrition wise iceberg lettuce is not the best option but when it comes to water content it has one of the highest water content.
Use Iceberg lettuce in some of your meals. Ditch the taco shells and try using lettuce in your taco or try adding in lettuce to your sandwiches and hamburgers.
Cucumber 96.7% water content
Cucumber is a summer veggie that is perfect for any meal. You can use it in salads, sandwiches and in smoothies. Cucumber has one of the highest water content out of any vegetables.
Blend cucumber with nonfat yogurt, ice cubes and mint to make a hydrating and delicious cucumber soup.
Celery 95.4% water content
Celery is a great hydrating snack. A stick of celery has only 6 calories! It is great for people who are trying to lose weight and is working out. Celery is high in fiber and can curb your hunger. It is high in folate an vitamins too. It is a great remedy for heartburn and hyper acidity.
Celery works well with sandwiches and fruit salads.
Radishes 95.3% water content
Radishes are a great source of hydration during those long hot summer days. You can put radishes in salads and sandwiched for a bit more spicy kick. Radishes are full of antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals.
Make a healthy no mayonnaise coleslaw. Shred some cabbage, carrots and radish with slices of snow peas and chopped hazelnuts. Add in some chopped parsley and poppy seeds. Put everything in a bowl and mix in some lemon juice, olive oil, pepper and salt.
Tomatoes 94.5% water content
Tomatoes are a must have for salads, sauces, soups and sandwiches. Tomatoes are high in lycopene and is an amazing hydrating snack.Eat tomatoes with low sodium cheese or nuts. For a quick appetizer skewer some baby tomatoes with mozzarella for a refreshing snack.
Green peppers 93.9% water content
Green peppers out of all the bell peppers have the highest water content. Green pepper contains as many antioxidants as red bell peppers.Green pepper makes great refreshing snack. You can it raw or grill them a little.
Cauliflower 92.1% water content
Cauliflower is very well known for being a high source of vitamins and phytonutrients. It is great in fighting breast cancer and lowering cholesterol.
Cauliflower brings that extra crunch to a dish. Use cauliflowers in salads or in stews.
Spinach 91.4% water content
Spinach is a very healthy vegetable and it is great for hydrating too. Using raw spinach in salads can give you a healthy nutritional boost throughout the day.
Spinach has lots of fiber and vitamin E, that is known to remove free radicals in the body.
Star fruit/ Carambola 91.4% water content
This tropical fruit is sweet and juicy. It has the same texture as a pineapple. It is great as an edible garnish in meals and cocktails. This works well with tropical salads. Star fruit is rich in antioxidants and is good for the heart
People who suffer from kidney problems should avoid star fruit because of its high oxalic acid content
Strawberries 91.0% Water content
Out of all the berries, strawberries have the highest water content. All berries are a great source of vitamins and minerals and is very refreshing.
Using strawberries in desserts are a must try to satisfy the sweet tooth. It is also a great addition to oatmeal and yogurt. For a refreshing drink, make a simple strawberry smoothie! Strawberries are a great pre and post workout snack.
Baby carrots 90.4% water content
Baby carrots unlike its ‘adult’ carrot version has higher water content. Baby carrots are low in calories and is full of vitamins, making it a great go-to snack. Try putting baby carrots in your kids lunch boxes instead of junk food.
Baby carrots can be dipped in guacamole or hummus. It also brings color to salads and dishes
Cantaloupe 90.2% water content
Like most food on this list cantaloupes are low in calories and high in vitamin and nutrients. This fruit is perfect for the summer time as a snack or a juice drink.
Make a cantaloupe sherbet with yogurt and cantaloupe blended together and refrigerate for an hour or more. It can also serve as a yummy soup with orange juice and mint.
Broccoli 90.7% water content
Broccoli is known as a super food because of having multiple health benefits and nutrients. It is also high in water! Broccoli is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins. It is also has sulforaphane, an enzyme known to remove cancer causing chemicals. Steamed or boiled broccoli taste great with protein or salads.
Grapefruit 90.5% water content
Grapefruit is known for weight loss and lowering cholesterol level, but it is also high in water content. It is great for a refreshing boost in the morning. Grapefruits are low in calories and high in fiber. It is also known to balance out blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.
