7 Things to Eat to Keep You Hydrated This Summer

We all know that drinking enough water each day is essential for staying hydrated, but did you know you can get extra hydration through what you eat in addition to what you drink? As the summer progresses, temperatures rise, and we spend more time outdoors, eating foods that are both nutritious as well as hydrating becomes more important than ever.

Our bodies are made of about 60% water, making it necessary that we consume about 8 glasses of water each day to keep us hydrated. Many nutritious foods are high in water content that munching on these can help you reach optimum hydration levels while we’re spending time in the sun.

Here are 7 of the most hydrating foods you can eat, and a few creative ideas on how you can incorporate them into your diet this summer.

1. Watermelon

   Watermelon consists of approximately 92% water, which makes it a perfect food to eat for hydration. Watermelon is also notably high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. Try combining watermelon with feta, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a perfect, fresh summer salad.

2. Cucumber

   Cucumbers consist of approximately 95% water, but they also have a high concentration of Potassium and polyphenols, which can help to lower inflammation. Try mixing cucumbers with tomatoes, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light and easy side salad for your summer.

3. Pineapple

   Pineapple is high in both Vitamin C and manganese, a mineral important for improving the health of bone and connective tissue. Pineapple also contains significant concentrations of bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion.

4. Yogurt

   Fruits and veggies aren’t the only foods that can hydrate you. Yogurt is actually quite high in water content (up to 85% in fact!) and is a great source of electrolytes, protein, calcium, and probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria. To make easy yogurt berry popsicles, blend 2 cups of berries in a blender, mix with 2 cups of Greek yogurt and add 2 tbsp of honey. Freeze into 6 popsicle moulds, and enjoy a healthy summer treat.

5. Mango Panna

   High in beta-carotene, and packing 100% of your daily need Vitamin C in just one cup, mangoes are a perfect, juicy, hydrating summer fruit. They’re also high in Vitamin A, which helps improve your skin health.

6. Bael Juice

   Bael is also known as ‘Wood Apple’. It is native to India and is one of the most popular summer fruits in India. The fruit is available for a limited period in summers and we suggest you relish it while it is available. This summer eat the bael fruit or enjoy bael sherbet.
   There are various health benefits in bael. The presence of tannin in the fruit helps it in curing diseases like cholera and diarrhoea. It is rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2, and C. It is also a good source of potassium, calcium, and has a negligible amount of fat.

7. Banana

   A lot of times we tend to forget the humble banana, but it is a great fruit. Full of nutrients, bananas can be great to eat especially during summers. Eating bananas will not only keep you cool, but they’ll also help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of asthma and cancer. Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates and fibre.
   The fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B6 content in bananas all support heart health. In summers bouts of diarrhoea are quite common. Electrolytes like potassium are lost in large quantities in diarrhoea and can make the person feel weak. Bananas can replace the lost nutrients.