   
BLOG | 5 Summer Hydration Foods
During the height of summer, staying hydrated is vitally important. If you don’t consume enough fluids, you can become dehydrated, exposing your body to a host of problems ranging from heat cramps to seizures. But people do have plenty of options available to them when it comes to hydration."Various reports indicate that humans receive 20–25% of their daily water intake from food," says Rick L. Sharp, Ph.D., who headlined the study of whole foods in promoting hydration in the 2007 issue of the Journal of Nutrition. "In addition to providing water, foods contribute energy nutrients and ingredients that may assist in regulating the hydration process."
According to Science Daily, eating water-rich foods has another benefit - it helps people eat less, acting as an appetite suppressant.
So which foods are ideal for keeping you hydrated and full? Here are five summer foods that can help:-
1. Watermelon: Not only is this succulent plant rich in vitamin A, C and B6, watermelon contains a water content of 92 percent, which can adequately replace water loss. Dieters will also enjoy its low fat and calorie content, weighing in at 46 calories and 0.3 grammes of fat per 5.4 ounces. Watermelon is best eaten fresh with your hands, but if you don't want to get your hands wet, try dicing a couple of wedges and tossing it on a fruit salad. It adds instant, hydration-rich sweetness that's as natural as you can get.
2. Celery: With a water content of 96 percent, celery is the most hydrating food around, with plenty of nutrients to spare. Just 5.4 ounces of celery, either chopped or torn from the stalk, contains nearly 45 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin K, which helps the body store fat-soluble vitamins. It also contains 15 percent of the daily recommended amount for vitamin C, which is rich in antioxidants that block free radical damage. There is also evidence it can lower your cholesterol. For a delicious snack, try dipping a stalk in natural peanut butter or toss diced celery into a healthy, protein-rich stir fry.
3. Tomatoes: Although we're more familiar with its processed form (pasta sauce), it's best to eat tomatoes raw in their natural state. With a water content of 93 percent, tomatoes are a quick way to boost your hydration while reaping the benefits of its vitamin-rich content, including vitamins A and C. Tomatoes are also low in calories - 123 grammes yield about 22 calories, 2 of those calories from fat. Its versatility is also advantageous for dieters: tomatoes can be used in virtually anything, including sandwiches, salads, wraps or tossed into salsa.
4. Cantaloupe: With a water content of over 90 percent, cantaloupe is essential for summer. Its cool, sweet taste instantly quenches your thirst, and it is packed with added vitamins. Approximately 160 grammes of cantaloupe yields 54 fat-free calories, around 15 milligrammes of calcium, and over 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamins A and C. To eat, slice and eat raw or toss it in a blender with fat-free yoghurt for an instant, vitamin-rich smoothie.
5. Cucumbers: Boasting a 95 percent water content, you can't go wrong with cucumbers. They're low in calories, fat and are moderate sources of vitamin C, A and potassium. Just 104 grammes of cucumbers, sliced or diced, can help keep you hydrated and lower your blood pressure (due to its potassium).
Tip: Hydrate yourself before you get thirsty as thirst is a poor indicator of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, the chances are that you're probably already dehydrated. If you plan to stay out in the heat, consume a few of these hydrating foods beforehand to reduce your risk of dehydration.
Labels: Summer, hydration, hydrated, fluids, body, heat cramps, foods, whole foods, nutrition, energy, nutrients, ingredients, water rich, eat less, appetite, suppressant, full, summer foods, watermelon, vitamin a, b6, water content, dieters, low fat, calorie content, celery, vitamin k, cholesterol, vitamin c, delicious snack, protein rich, healthy, tomatoes, salsa, cantaloupe, fat free, cucumbers, calories, blood pressure
Posted by: Theo Wood | 21st July 2010 |
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