Staying hydrated is essential for everyone, regardless of age. Find out how eating foods high in water content, such as watermelons, cucumbers, and oranges, etc can protect you from the summer’s intense heat.
When our body temperature rises too much in the summer, leading to excessive perspiration and water loss, dehydration occurs. We get thirsty, feel dehydrated, and our body starts losing more water than it is taking in when we don’t drink enough water. This leads to an excessive loss of fluid and weariness. Thankfully, there are several of summertime foods that will help you stay cool.
This post will discuss the advantages of eating foods high in water, which foods to eat in summer, and why:
Benefits of water-rich foods
Is it true that the problem can only be solved by drinking water? The answer is no. Maintaining the proper water quantity and quality in our bodies is also greatly dependent on the food we eat throughout the summer. Actually, about 20% of the liquid (water) that we consume comes from the meals that are high in water. The following are some advantages of hydrating meals and the reasons you should include them in your summer diet on a regular basis:
- Water-rich foods help regularise our body temperature
- They safeguard vital organs such as the heart, lungs, brain, liver, and others
- Water-rich foods supply energy to our body
- They help the body to use food nutrition in a better way
- Consumption of water-rich foods keeps our joints fit and fine
- These foods also promote detoxification and help flush out waste from our body
Top hydrating foods for summer
Are you curious about the top foods for summer? You’ll find plenty of foods rich in water content in the list of healthy summer foods below. We’ve carefully chosen the ideal foods for you, even if there are many with a sufficient water content. These will assist you in creating healthy eating habits and organizing your grocery shopping. You can also learn how to easily eat these items on a daily basis. Additionally, you should always aim to choose affordable, readily available summertime dishes over expensive, exotic ones. These items can be eaten along with a daily intake of 8-10 glasses of water. These foods will meet a significant amount of your daily water needs.
1. Banana
contains 74% water and the crucial electrolyte potassium, which reduces dehydration. A banana gives you instant energy. And as per its nutritional profile, it is one of the best options in this scorching heat.
How to have: Raw, milkshake, fruit curd and fruit custard
2. Cauliflower
has 92% water, vitamin C and vitamin K. It helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It should always be washed thoroughly, soaked in hot water for some time, and boiled properly while cooking. This makes it easy to digest.
How to have: Roasted, as a curry, or boiled
3. Cucumber
is 96% water. It also contains magnesium and vitamin K but it is very low in calories. So, it can be consumed daily to maintain a healthy weight too.
How to have: Salad, soup, smoothie, tossed in olive oil
4. Spinach
has 92% water and magnesium. It is highly nutritious.
How to have: Soup, broth, boiled, cooked with dal, along with low-fat paneer
5. Radish
contains 95% water and is very rich in fibre.
How to have: Salad, roasted veg, sauteed veg
6. Watermelon
a summer favourite, contains 91% water, 8% natural sugar, lycopene, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. It is a great food for the summer season and can be added to a number of salads or drinks.
How to have: Raw, juice with pulp
7. Orange
contains 88% water, vitamin C, fibre and potassium. Orange also helps boost immunity and fight diseases. It also has anti-cancer, anti- inflammatory properties.
How to have: Raw, juice with pulp, salad, custard
8. Peach
contains 88% water, vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins and potassium. So, along with water, peaches have many other health benefits.
How to have: Raw fruit salad, mixed with low-fat yoghurt.
9. Skimmed milk
contains 91% water, and the rest of it is made up of protein, vitamin A, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, phosphorus and potassium. Calcium in milk helps make bones strong and healthy. It can easily be used as a health drink normally and especially after exercise.
How to have: 1 cup or glass without sugar, smoothie, milkshake
10. Tomatoes
give 94% water, lycopene, fibre and vitamin A. These can be used in any recipe easily. Tomatoes also improve immunity, offer protection against several diseases, and are very good for heart and dental health.
How to have: Roasted, sauteed, curry, salad, sauce, chutney (low oil)
Conclusion
Eating wholesome, hydrated summer foods will help us beat the heat. The next time you visit the grocery store, consult the list of summer foods that was previously discussed. You’ll be able to withstand more heat and combat dehydration with this. Make the most of this sunny, bright season to revitalize and rejuvenate both you and your loved ones.