Hydration

Which Foods will Help you Reach Your Hydration Goals?

Current government guidelines suggest that we should all be drinking around eight glasses of water a day in order to maintain optimum hydration. However, around a third of our water comes from the foods we eat. In theory, if you eat enough of the right foods, you won’t need to drink so much water. So, which foods should you be chowing down on in order to refresh and revive your entire body?

Water-Rich Fruits

It might come as no surprise to know that juicy, in-season fruits can be a great source of hydration. Here are some of the very best fruits that will help to quench your thirst:
Watermelon: These bright summer fruits are made up of 92% water, with a portion (one cup) containing roughly the same amount as half a cup of water. Super-low in calories and incredibly refreshing in the hot sunshine, it is a great snack for weight-loss and contains a hefty boost of lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium.
Strawberries: Who can resist the allure of a bright red strawberry picked straight from the plant? These tasty morsels are made up of 91% water and are a versatile snack, tasting incredible on their own, with cream, in smoothies, milkshakes and salads! Bursting with fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate and manganese, these fruits taste naughty but are actually very good for you!
Cantaloupe: This pretty melon is able to fulfil 120% of your vitamin A intake in just one cup, as well as half a cup of water, due to being made up of 90% H2O! A wonderful breakfast treat or starter staple, cantaloupe is an easy addition to your diet.
Peaches: These unique fruits are made up of 89% water, making them an incredibly hydrating fruit. Containing vitamins A and C, as well as some B vitamins, potassium and fibre, they are a tasty, healthy snack or smoothie ingredient.
Oranges: You might already know that oranges are a fantastic source of vitamin C, but they are also made up of 88% water! They are rich in antioxidants and potassium, while their citric acid content is thought to help prevent kidney stones.

Other Dietary Sources of Hydration

Fruits aren’t the only water-rich foods. Take a look at these other options:

Skimmed Milk: The lowest fat milk is a great hydrator, thanks to its 91% water content. It is also full of electrolytes and protein, as well as calcium, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A and B12.
Cucumber: These unassuming green sticks are made up of 95% water and are a salad staple. Low in calories and full of vitamin K, potassium and magnesium, it is almost impossible to eat too many cucumbers!
Celery: This is one of those foods that takes more calories to digest than it contains, making it a great choice for weight loss. It also contains 95% water and is thought to help prevent a number of serious ailments including certain cancers and osteoporosis.
Coconut Water: Over 95% of coconut water is made up of actual water and the whole drink is full of electrolytes making this a wonderful alternative to sports drinks. It also contains potassium, sodium and chloride, supplementing your diet in a very positive way.

So, next time you feel thirsty, why not try some of the above foods, helping to keep your tummy full at the same time as meeting your hydration requirements.

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