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Sunday 18 June 2017

In Hot Weather Stay Hydrated - These 10 Foods May Help


Wherever you live some days can just be too hot, and on these sort of days it is important to stay hydrated. Parts of the UK this week have been extremely warm ... and with more hot weather promised, it is important to keep hydrated. Sometimes the easiest way is to use water from your kitchen tap, but bottled water can also be a great help. Of course on a hot summer’s day, why not boost your hydration with these juicy foods, all of which are around 80-90% water by weight. 

1. Cucumber:
At 95% water content, this crunchy summer vegetable has the highest water content of any solid food! It’s great in salads, or sliced up with some dip, why not just eat it by itself ... it's something our grandchildren love to do. Cucumber also contains a little fiber and vitamin C!


2. Green Peppers:
These hydrating vegetables contain 93.9% water, just slightly more than the red and yellow versions. They are also rich in antioxidants, and make a great snack with dip, sliced up in salads or can be eaten alone - it's up to you.



3. Tomato:
Tomatoes make a delicious, hydrating snack, especially cherry tomatoes! Eat a handful as a snack or add them to your meal! They’ll provide a tasty pop of hydration plus lycopene and other vitamins and minerals.


4. Watermelon:
Not only is watermelon a great source of water at 92%, it’s also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Serve icy cold for a satisfying Summertime snack!



5. Strawberries:
91% water, strawberries are a great contributor to your water intake for the day! Delivering the most vitamin C of all berries, folate, fiber and antioxidants, they’re a great little snack to enjoy! Eat them as is, or with some yogurt, or double cream ... even in a salad, a great summer fruit. 


6. Papaya:
This gorgeous fruit tastes incredible with fresh lime juice! Plus it delivers a source of fiber and hydration with 88% water! It’s also rich in vitamin C and contains the digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.


7. Grapefruit:
A juicy, tangy citrus with a powerful hydrating punch! Not only does it contain 90.5% water, some say it can help shrink your waistline, help lower your cholesterol, help stabilise your blood sugar and potentially help reduce your cravings! Eat it straight, or pop some wedges into a salad. 




8. Butternut Squash:
The humble, sweet and nutty squash is actually 88% water. Yet it provides over 400% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, as well as being a source of vitamin C, potassium and manganese! Roast some and serve in a salad, stuff small ones with lean grassfed mince and vegetables, or turn it into a tasty dip with some bell peppers, cucumber and carrots to serve!


9. Cantaloupe:
One six ounce serving (about ¼ of a melon) provides 100% of your recommended intake for vitamins A and C! Comprised of 90.2% water, it’s a nourishing snack that can contribute significantly to your water intake! Why not serve sliced in salads, or as part of a mixed melon salad with fresh mint!


10. Radishes:
It’s not the first thing you may think of when talking about hydration, but these pretty vegetables are 95.3% water! Not only are they hydrating, but they are full of antioxidants including catechin (found in green tea!), adding a nutritious burst of spiciness and colour to your plate!


Most words above taken from an article by Laurentine Ten Bosch

Not all foods mentioned may be suitable for all, so please bear in mind any food allergies, health conditions and with grapefruit, for example, care should be taken if on certain drugs.

On a personal note I am including cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, radishes and strawberries in my menu plan, melon is nice too ... how about you?

All the best Jan

25 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

They all look good. I've got melon, peaches and yellow peppers on the menu today. Hugs, Valerie

Elephant's Child said...

I am not a fan of cucumber (until they become gherkin) but love the others. And mango...

Jenn Jilks said...

We've been having a hot spell, and water is so important!

Tom said...

...some days I drink so much water that I feel like a fish.

Martha said...

Lucky for me, I like all of these. Especially the watermelon!

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I have been trying to drink more water lately. The fruit is a nice option too.
Great info and post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and new week ahead!

Mac n' Janet said...

A good reason to eat more watermelon.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I always drink a lot of water, but all the fresh fruits and vegetables available this time of year make getting hydrated so much more fun and tastier.

Mary Kirkland said...

Butternut Squash and Grapefruit re the only two things on that list that I don't like.

Sandra Cox said...

There were several fruits and vegetables that I wouldn't have thought about containing that much water! Thanks for the heads up.
Have a great one.

Christine said...

I am so enjoying the summer bounty of fruit and vegetables already!

happyone said...

I like them all except for Papaya.
Nothing quite quenches my thirst like a cold drink of water!!

Lisabella Russo said...

What delicious options and wonderful information as well.

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

The watermelon looks delicious, I would have loved some this afternoon when I was melting in the heat xx

JFM said...

Wonderful information Jan...

peppylady (Dora) said...

All these foods I like. But not all that crazy about watermellon
Coffee is on

Margaret D said...

Most important to stay hydrated and to do so before you get thirsty.

Linda said...

Great list here, Jan! I love practically everything on that list as well! And cucumbers...I could eat them every day, I love them! Thank you so much for sharing.

Sami said...

I love watermelons and melons on hot days, so refreshing!
Great information Jan.

Linda P said...

Very good advice. Thank you for sharing.

Barbara said...

Hi Jan, it’s very warm today and my office is like an oven! I've got a 2 litre bottle of water on my desk, and I keep filling my glass and sipping. My lunch which I will have soon includes cucumber, strawberries and cherries and I’m now going to add some tomatoes and a little melon. Thank you for these timely tips, Barbara

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It's pretty hard to imagine England having such hot weather Jan! All the foods you mentioned are popular here in our hot summers.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The one I find surprising is the Butternut Squash...how neat! We eat most of these foods regularly (except for radishes!) Thanks for the info. We have to be careful in Florida...it's so hot and humid here.

Snowbird said...

My....I would have killed for these today!!!xxx

Magic Love Crow said...

Thank you for the list!