This summer we’re set for some record heatwaves and when the sun shines, it’s important to stay hydrated! Drinking enough water every day is key to core bodily functions and to keep us healthy. When your body temperature rises and you lose more water, keeping hydrated is more important than ever.
If you’re tired of drinking litres of water or electrolyte drinks, some vegetables and fruits are water-rich and can be used to keep you hydrated. Read our blog for more!
Hydrating Fruits
Watermelon – 91% water
Watermelon is low in calories and as it consists of 91% water, it’s incredibly hydrating. It will also hit your sweet tooth, as the remaining make-up of a watermelon is naturally occurring sugars.
The red colour of watermelon comes from lycopene, which is both a powerful antioxidant and a bright colour. Our bodies use lycopene to end up with Vitamin A. Watermelon, the white rind specifically, is also a good source of citrulline, which is converted by our bodies into a chemical compound called arginine. Arginine naturally reduces blood pressure, and is a good part of a heart-friendly diet.
Grapefruit – 91% Water
Grapefruit is rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals including vitamin A, potassium and folate. alongside this is it has a very high water, grapefruits are 91% water. Several studies have shown including grapefruit in your diet may help boost weight loss, as well as reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It’s sharp zing will definitely give you a kick in the mornings!
Grapefruit can be eaten as slices, or for a summery breakfast by coating a grapefruit half in brown sugar before sticking them under the grill and waiting for the sugar to caramelise.
Pineapple – 87% Water
Pineapples are a yummy fruit, that as well as belonging on pizza, taste lovely with gammon, or by themselves. It’s a very versatile fruit that is also 87% water and therefore can be incredibly hydrating. Pineapples are also filled with Vitamin C, fibre, and magnesium, making them micro-nutrient rich.
Whether you have them as part of a pina colada in the sunshine, or as part of a fruit salad with some watermelon and grapefruit, pineapples are a great fruit for summer!
Hydrating Vegetables
Cucumber – 95% Water
Sweet and succulent, cucumbers are made up of around 95% water! Cucumbers are claimed to be more hydrating after exercise than water and can leave you feeling fuller as well. Bodybuilders have been known to eat cucumber coated in Stevia, a natural sweetener as a summery, hydrating snack.
Alongside this, they are low in calories and a good source of vitamins and fibre. If you are looking for a little more hydration this summer, make sure you add them into your salad, or eating them with some hummus for a tea-time snack.
Spinach – 93% water
Spinach is made up of around 93% water and is great for hydration. Green, leafy vegetables are known for their health benefits, and contain high levels of absorbable iron. Spinach is one of the easiest to eat leafy vegetables and can perfectly supplement an omelette or as a base for a salad.
You can also buy bags of frozen spinach to add into smoothies, bolognaise or curries. As spinach doesn’t have a massively strong taste, you can put it in most foods, even cake!
Cauliflower – 92% Water
Cauliflower is a great vegetable for hydration in your diet, being nutritious, yummy and hydrating. It is a cruciferous vegetable that is naturally high in B-vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients. It also contains fibre to enhance weight loss and digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients.
At V8, our vision is to help people enjoy getting their 5 a day to stay fit and healthy. We don’t think it should be a chore, so we want to make it easy. Make sure you try adding V8 juice into your daily routine!
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