Summer – the season of sun, fun, and scorching heat! It’s time to relax, enjoy the sun, and, most importantly, remain hydrated. Believe me; you don’t want to risk dehydration during these hot months. Our bodies are working hard and sweating buckets with the sun pounding down and outdoor activities in full flow. That is why we must provide them the care they require by keeping them well-watered. In this blog, we will explore five hydrating foods that will both satiate your hunger, keep you hydrated and boost your health.
Why is water so important?
We’ve all struggled with reaching for the fifth glass of water in a day, asking why being hydrated is essential. Let us remind you of the numerous advantages.
Adequate water consumption detoxifies your body by supporting renal function, regulates temperature and hunger, lubricates your joints, promotes correct heart function, aids digestion, and improves skin clarity and brightness.
Inadequate hydration, on the other hand, can cause headaches, poor sleep, mood changes, and reduced cognitive performance.
Although it’s important to stay hydrated, the suggested eight oz. glasses of water daily can feel like an overwhelming quantity of liquid to ingest, let alone the frequent bathroom visits. For this reason, you can also obtain your water through food.
5 hydrating foods to try this summer
During the summer, the combination of high temperatures and increased physical activity can lead to an elevated rate of water loss from your body. Try including these five foods in your diet to prevent dehydration and boost your health:
Watermelon
Watermelon is not only a tasty and refreshing summer fruit, but it also has several health benefits and can help you stay hydrated. Watermelon, due to its high water content, is an ideal choice for soothing thirst and replenishing fluids on hot days. It comprises 92% water, making it an excellent method to stay hydrated. Aside from being hydrating, watermelon is high in vitamins A and vitaminC, which are necessary for keeping good skin and a strong immune system. It also possesses lycopene, a potent antioxidant which can lower the risk of particular cancers and cardiovascular problems.
Cucumber
Cucumber is an excellent addition to your summer diet, providing several health advantages as well as aiding with hydration. Cucumber is extremely hydrating and helps keep your body cool and refreshed due to its high water content of roughly 95%. It replenishes fluids naturally, making it an excellent choice for hot days. Cucumbers are high in nutrients in addition to being hydrating. They are high in vitamins K and C, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for maintaining good blood pressure and muscle function.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a hydrating food that can aid with fluid balance, especially on hot summer days. While their water content is significantly lower than that of certain other hydrating fruits and vegetables, tomatoes contain approximately 94% water. As a result, they are an efficient approach to contribute to your total hydration. Consuming foods high in water, such as tomatoes, can help keep your body hydrated and cool while supporting numerous biological functions. Tomatoes also include a variety of critical nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, which are essential for a strong immune system and glowing skin.
Celery
Because of its high water content, celery is an excellent choice for staying hydrated. Celery is a hydrating powerhouse because it is 95% water. This means that eating celery sticks or incorporating them into salads can significantly increase your overall fluid consumption, aiding in hydration levels, especially in hot weather or during physical activity. Celery, in addition to being hydrating, has many other health benefits. It’s low in calories and high in fibre, which can help with digestion and increase feelings of fullness. Celery is also high in vitamins, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. These nutrients are essential for various body activities, including bone health and energy metabolism.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers contain roughly 92% water, making them a good choice for staying hydrated. Consuming bell peppers might assist your body in recovering fluids, especially during hot summer days or periods of physical exercise. Bell peppers are also high in vitamins like vitamin C, which helps with immunological function, collagen formation, and antioxidant activity. Bell peppers are particularly high in vitamin A, which is essential for excellent vision and skin.
Not your thing? Try Electrolytes for hydration
Apart from water and hydrating foods, Electrolytes are a great way of maintaining hydration levels and supporting body functioning. Electrolytes are minerals with an electric charge, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are necessary for fluid balance, neuron function, muscular contractions, and appropriate hydration. We lose not only water but also vital electrolytes when we sweat. Replenishing electrolytes is especially critical during vigorous physical exercise or in hot weather when fluid and mineral losses are more significant. Consuming electrolytes might aid in mineral replenishment and proper hydration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the summer heat starts to intensify, it is critical to prioritise appropriate hydration. While drinking a glass of water is always a good idea, including hydrating foods in your diet can provide an extra boost. We highlighted five hydrating meals in this blog to help you keep refreshed and nourished throughout the summer season. Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, celery, and bell peppers all have high water content and are, therefore, ideal alternatives for staying hydrated.