Amid the relentless heat and soaring temperatures nationwide, venturing outdoors and staying productive have also become necessities. However, maintaining proper hydration is essential for sustaining health and vitality during these sweltering conditions.
Foods rich in water content can significantly contribute to your daily hydration needs during this time. Raw fruits and vegetables, in particular, are excellent sources of hydration while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Here are some foods with exceptionally high water content
Any fruits and vegetables with more than 80% water content are a great choice. But these foods (all with a water content more than 92%) offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting the water your body needs:
1. Cucumber (96%)
When the summer heat is on, cucumbers come to the rescue! They’re not just refreshing and hydrating but also offer a crisp texture and cool, mild flavor, making them perfect for salads or as a refreshing snack on a hot day.
2. Lettuce (96%)
Beat the summer heat with crisp and crunchy iceberg lettuce. This hydrating leafy green provides a neutral, mild taste, ideal for salads or sandwiches to keep you feeling cool and refreshed.
3. Radish (95%)
Spice up your summer salads and snacks with radishes. They are hydrating and zesty, adding a burst of flavor to salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack to cool you down on hot days.
4. Tomato (94%)
Beat the summer heat with juicy and versatile tomatoes. Hydrating and offering a tangy, slightly sweet flavor, tomatoes are perfect for salads, sandwiches, sauces, or enjoyed on their own to keep you feeling cool and refreshed.
5. Watermelon (92%)
This hydrating and sweet fruit offers a crisp texture and a burst of summery flavor, perfect for snacks, salads, or refreshing beverages to keep you feeling cool and hydrated all summer long.
6. Capsicum (92%)
Add a pop of colour and hydration to your summer dishes with vibrant and crunchy bell peppers. These hydrating and sweet veggies are perfect for salads, stir-fries, or stuffed recipes to keep you feeling refreshed and cool in the summer heat.
7. Strawberry (92%)
These sweet and aromatic berries are hydrating and bursting with flavor, perfect for snacking, desserts, or adding to salads to keep you feeling refreshed and cool in the summer heat.
8. Cabbage (92%)
This nutrient-dense and hydrating veggie offer a mild flavor and crisp texture, ideal for salads, slaws, or stir-fries to help you beat the summer heat while staying nourished and refreshed.
9. Cauliflower (92%)
This mild and versatile veggie is hydrating and nutrient-rich, offering a neutral flavor and tender texture, perfect for roasting, steaming, or mashing to keep you feeling refreshed and nourished.
10. Spinach (92%)
This nutrient-packed and hydrating green offers a tender texture and mild, slightly earthy flavor, ideal for salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes to keep you feeling cool and energized.
These foods not only keep you hydrated but also offer a plethora of nutritional benefits. Whether enjoyed raw, cooked, or incorporated into various dishes, they can help replenish your body’s water levels and keep you feeling refreshed and revitalized amidst the scorching heat.
Source: UCLA Health
