Introduction
Staying hydrated is very important for your body, be it summer or winter. Otherwise, you will end up getting dehydrated which can cause fatigue, headaches, skin problems, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and worst-case scenario, organ failure.
But drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated. Many food items can help you stay hydrated and provide you with essential nutrients at the same time. In this article, you will get to read about a few hydrating food items and their other benefits. Let us begin!
Foods that help you hydrate and replenish your nutrients
- Cucumber: Cucumbers have a water content of 96.73%. They also provide our body with potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and a small amount of calcium. According to research, the presence of a special nutrient called cucurbitacins might have an antidiabetic effect. You can add sliced cucumbers to your plain water to enhance the taste of water.
- Watermelon: Watermelons have a water content of 92%. They have many health benefits and are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. It contains vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium. Watermelons have a high water content, hence their calorie content is very less, and so is the calorie density. Therefore, they help you lose weight while making you feel full and reducing your appetite. Watermelons are also rich in powerful antioxidants, including lycopene that can reduce oxidative damage to cells, hence reducing heart disease risk and diabetes risk.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes have a water content of 94.52%. It is a fruit that provides our body with fibre, vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium. Tomatoes have a less calorific value and also contain the antioxidant lycopene. Therefore, they also reduce heart disease risk and diabetes risk. They may also help prevent the development of prostate cancer.
- Coconut Water: Coconut Water has a water content of 95%. It contains electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and chloride. Due to its electrolyte content, it helps in recovery after exercise and it is a much healthier option than sports drinks because they contain sugar and unhealthy ingredients.
- Peaches: Peaches have a water content of 89%. They provide our body with vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C. They are also rich in fibre and potassium. They contain disease-fighting antioxidants like chlorogenic acid.
Conclusion
Staying hydrated is a necessity. It helps you avoid fatigue, headaches, skin problems, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and organ failure. However, drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated. Many food items such as watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, etc help you stay hydrated while at the same time replenish your nutrients and help you lose weight.
Image Sources:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a28351053/health-benefits-of-cucumbers/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-of-watermelon
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/tomatoes
https://zeenews.india.com/health/heres-why-you-should-consume-coconut-water-in-summer-2096346
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/peaches_and_the_science_behind_them
