Proper hydration is extremely important for your health. In fact, not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, skin problems, muscle cramps, low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
What’s more, prolonged dehydration can lead to serious complications like organ failure.
Experts generally recommend drinking several glasses of water per day to meet your hydration needs.
But while drinking water is very important, you can also get it from foods. There are many healthy foods that can contribute a large amount of water to your diet.
This article discussed 7 water-rich foods that will help you stay hydrated.
1. Cucumbers
Perhaps the most popular water-rich food is the humble cucumber. Cucumbers are composed of about 95 percent water, and also contain other nutrients and electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Eating cucumbers can help you stay hydrated in a healthy way, and you can even add them to your water for more benefits!
2. Celery
Celery is a popular negative-calorie food, but it’s also good for hydration. Celery is composed of 95 percent water, and as the name “negative-calorie” implies, your body burns more calories eating them than they contain. Celery also has health-boosting fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins A and K.
3. Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce might not seem like it has many nutrients, and that’s because it’s mostly water — about 96 percent. While it doesn’t have as many vitamins and minerals as other leafy greens, iceberg lettuce contains potassium, zinc, some fiber, and vitamins A and K.
4. Strawberries
Besides being delicious, strawberries are a healthy addition to your diet because they are composed of about 90 percent water. They’re also high in vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system running properly. Strawberries also contain potent antioxidants which fight free radical damage in the body.
5. Spinach
At 90 percent water, spinach doesn’t have quite as much as iceberg lettuce, but it’s still a good hydrating food. In addition to being loaded with water, spinach contains a good amount of fiber and magnesium. It also boasts other nutrients like potassium, calcium, iron, folate, and vitamins A and K.
6. Tomatoes
While they’re traditionally considered a vegetable, tomatoes are actually a fruit with 95 percent water content. They’re packed with fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamins C and K. On top of that, tomatoes contain high amounts of the antioxidant lycopene which prevents cells from oxidative damage.
7. Watermelon
Another one of the most popular water-rich foods, watermelon concludes our list in the most delicious way. Watermelons are composed of about 92 percent water, and they’re packed with B vitamins, vitamins A and C, and zinc, copper, and potassium. Eating watermelon can help you get enough water in your diet while also providing a low-calorie sweet snack.
