20 Jul Top 10 Most Hydrating Foods
Top 10 Most Hydrating Foods
Water is essential to the ebb and flow of life, especially when it comes to your body. Every cell, tissue and muscle requires water to survive. For example, our brains are composed of 95% water, our blood is 82% water and our lungs are 90% water. Even though water is clearly the most abundant nutrient and most critical in the body, many take it for granted and don’t truly understand the impact hydration has on keeping everything (not only physically but mentally) in balance.
Recommended daily water intake varies from person to person depending on various factors (ex. Activity level/water loss, medication, diet), but the general rule of thumb is 8oz every hour you’re awake. While this may seem like a lot, have no fear – you don’t have to DRINK all of your water, you can EAT it, too!
Picture Credit: https://wexfordwellnesscare.com
Here’s a list of the top ten most hydrating foods and other health benefits of each:
Cucumber – 96% water
While cucumber is almost entirely composed of water, it still contains valuable nutrients. Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins (B1, B5, and B7) which nourish our nervous system. That means, in time of anxiety or stress, our nervous system is better suited to handle it.
Iceberg Lettuce – 96% water
Iceberg lettuce has recently been labeled “uncool” due to the popularity of kale, but this leafy green is actually very nutritious and “cooling” to the body. Vitamin K is bone-nourishing, and vitamin A replenishes our skin, eyes, and blood. It is also high in fibre, and provides the most water of all types of lettuce, making a perfect hydrating food choice on hot summer days.
Celery – 95% water
Celery is a nutrition powerhouse! It has a ton of water but very few calories. It’s packed with fiber, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Not to mention, it’s been found to lower blood pressure AND has anti-cancer compounds.
Zucchini – 95% water
Zucchini’s actually come from a flower, and this vegetable (maybe a fruit?) contains a significant portion (8%) of your daily recommended dose of potassium. Potassium is a “heart healthy” nutrient that helps blood cells regenerate, improving overall circulatory system function.
Tomato – 94% water
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C and folic acid. They also contain lycopene. Lycopene not only gives tomatoes their red color, but it also possesses impressive antioxidant properties that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, improve bone health and reduce the risk of some cancer.
Green Cabbage – 93% water
Because of it’s high water content, it’s no surprise this cruciferous vegetable has amazing healing properties. Cabbage is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. It boosts your body’s ability to recover from damage caused by inflammation at the cellular level, and fermenting cabbage into either kimchi or sauerkraut provide probiotics our guts need to not only heal but also maintain balance.
Watermelon – 92% water
It’s widely known watermelon is high in water – that’s why many choose this fruit on a hot Summer day to stay hydrated. Watermelon is one of the most powerful fruits whhen it comes to healing the body. Benefits include fat metabolism, improvements in cardiovascular-strength, anti-inflammatory properties, and balancing of our internal acidity level (making us more alkaline).
Strawberries – 92% water
Another water-dense fruit, the strawberry, is high in phenol antioxidants and vitamin C, making them amazing avengers against free radicals that cause degenerative diseases, such as cancer.
Spinach – 92% water
Although spinach has less water compared to iceberg lettuce, it contains a higher concentration of nutrients like lutein, potassium, fiber, and folate. Also, a single cup of spinach contains 15% of your daily intake of vitamin E, a contributor to muscle growth and healthy neurological functions.
Sweet Peppers – 92% water
All sweet bell peppers, regardless of color, are a significant water source, but green peppers are a bit higher (closer to 94%). They’re not only a convenient snack (great with hummus instead of pretzels/bread), but they’re also a source of carotenoids and vitamin C which support immune function.
-Health & Wellness Coach
Michelle C.