When the sun is beating down on your back, you feel sweat running down your body, and your throat feels like sandpaper; reaching out to gulp down on a glass of water is instinctive. But did you know that you can also bite into a juicy fruit for that quick hydration fix? Not only does this contribute to the overall fluid requirement of your body, but it’s also a great way to boost your nutritional intake.
Lack of hydration can cause many health problems, such as fatigue, low blood pressure, headaches, skin problems, rapid heart rate, and muscle cramps. Prolonged dehydration can lead to severe issues such as organ failure too. This is because a well-hydrated body enables the smooth functioning of all organs and assists in releasing toxins from the body.
So, if you need to become a conscious water drinker, here’s a great fix – you can consume hydrating fruits that are chock full of minerals, enzymes, and vitamins and have a higher water content that helps keep your body hydrated.
Here are ten hydrating fruits you might want to add to your diet:
Watermelon
It’s not called ‘Watermelon’ for no reason – it contains over 90% water, so it’s incredibly hydrating. As one of the most favorite hydrating fruits, it is also a genuine thirst-quencher, particularly during those sweaty summer days. Besides being heavy in water content, watermelons are dense with nutrients such as vitamins A and C. It’s also low on calories, so you can treat yourself to an entire watermelon if you want!
Strawberry
With 91% of water, strawberries are literally brimming with water and other nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and folate. Strawberries’ health perks are that they aid digestion, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and protect from heart complications. Strawberries are delicious as they are, but you can also make a strawberry smoothie or add chunks of the fruit to your salad.
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit that contains a lot of water – 88%, to be precise. It also comes along with a goodness of vitamins A, C, and E in addition to antioxidants. Papaya is a fruit associated with health benefits such as aiding in fighting inflammation, assisting in digestion, and improving heart health. If you’re feeling thirsty, treat yourself to a few slices of papaya, have it as a smoothie, or add chunks to your fruit bowl.
Oranges
Few things can beat the pure joy of biting into a succulent orange and feeling your thirst vanish in minutes! Stocked with 87% of water, oranges are not just hydrating fruits, but they offer nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help build a robust immune system. Additionally, oranges also help you get bright and clear skin. Squeeze a few fresh oranges and make a refreshing juice you can sip when thirst strikes.
Pineapple
Pineapples, one of the most popular tropical fruits, are sweet and refreshing. It contains 85% water, offering severe hydration perks and significant health benefits. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which aids in digestion and helps to break down proteins.
You can add in a few other hydrating fruits along with pineapple and make a refreshing smoothie, or for a different taste altogether, you can cut it into bite-sized chunks and toss it in some salt and pepper.
Peaches
Almost 90% of the weight of peaches is water, making it one of the most nutrient-dense hydrating fruits out there. Because it also contains essential minerals and vitamins, eating peaches contributes to disease-fighting antioxidants. Besides, its fiber and water content make it filling and low in calories. Peaches are ideal when combined in salads and smoothies.
Cantaloupe
When it comes to melons, watermelons get most of the hype, but the water content in cantaloupes is not to be taken for granted. Thanks to its 90% water content, it’s a great fruit to keep you hydrated on a warm day. You can eat it by the slice but try to up your game by throwing some pieces in a glass of water to sweeten it up naturally.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is an often underrated citrus fruit, but it comes with more water content than oranges. In fact, it’s 91% water! It doesn’t compromise on its nutrient value either – and since it’s a low-calorie fruit, it fills you up quickly. After an exhaustive workout session, a serving of grapefruit can make for a great post-workout snack. Pair it with some Greek yogurt, or serve it over oatmeal.
Staying hydrated is vital for overall health, but we often take it for granted. Staying hydrated ensures that your body temperature is regulated while also preventing the development of infections, enhances sleep and mood, keeps the joints well lubricated, and allows nutrients to get delivered to the cells in your body more efficiently.
