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Saturday 4 July 2015

Hot Weather Stay Hydrated - These 10 Foods May Help !

Image result for child drinking glass of water

Wherever you live some days can just be too hot, and on these sort of days it is important to stay hydrated. Parts of the UK this week have been extremely warm ... and with more hot weather promised, it is important to keep hydrated. Sometimes the easiest way is to use water from your kitchen tap, but bottled water can also be a great help. Of course on a hot summer’s day, why not boost your hydration with these juicy foods, all of which are around 80-90% water by weight. 

1. Cucumber:
At 95% water content, this crunchy summer vegetable has the highest water content of any solid food! It’s great in salads, or sliced up with some dip, why not just eat it by itself ... it's something our grandchildren love to do. Cucumber also contains a little fiber and vitamin C!


Image result for cucumber slices


2. Green Peppers:
These hydrating vegetables contain 93.9% water, just slightly more than the red and yellow versions. They are also rich in antioxidants, and make a great snack with dip, sliced up in salads or can be eaten alone - it's up to you.

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3. Tomato:
Tomatoes make a delicious, hydrating snack, especially cherry tomatoes! Eat a handful as a snack or add them to your meal! They’ll provide a tasty pop of hydration plus lycopene and other vitamins and minerals.

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4. Watermelon:
Not only is watermelon a great source of water at 92%, it’s also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Serve icy cold for a satisfying Summertime snack!

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5. Strawberries:
91% water, strawberries are a great contributor to your water intake for the day! Delivering the most vitamin C of all berries, folate, fiber and antioxidants, they’re a great little snack to enjoy! Eat them as is, or with some yogurt, or double cream ... even in a salad, a great summer fruit. 

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6. Papaya:
This gorgeous fruit tastes incredible with fresh lime juice! Plus it delivers a source of fiber and hydration with 88% water! It’s also rich in vitamin C and contains the digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.

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7. Grapefruit:
A juicy, tangy citrus with a powerful hydrating punch! Not only does it contain 90.5% water, some say it can help shrink your waistline, help lower your cholesterol, help stabilise your blood sugar and potentially help reduce your cravings! Eat it straight, or pop some wedges into a salad.  

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8. Butternut Squash:
The humble, sweet and nutty squash is actually 88% water. Yet it provides over 400% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, as well as being a source of vitamin C, potassium and manganese! Roast some and serve in a salad, stuff small ones with lean grassfed mince and vegetables, or turn it into a tasty dip with some bell peppers, cucumber and carrots to serve!

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9. Cantaloupe:
One six ounce serving (about ¼ of a melon) provides 100% of your recommended intake for vitamins A and C! Comprised of 90.2% water, it’s a nourishing snack that can contribute significantly to your water intake! Why not serve sliced in salads, or as part of a mixed melon salad with fresh mint!



Image result for Cantaloupe

10. Radishes:
It’s not the first thing you may think of when talking about hydration, but these pretty vegetables are 95.3% water! Not only are they hydrating, but they are full of antioxidants including catechin (found in green tea!), adding a nutritious burst of spiciness and colour to your plate!

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Most words above taken from an article by LAURENTINE TEN BOSCH.

Not all foods mentioned may be suitable for all, so please bear in mind any food allergies, health conditions and with grapefruit, for example, care should be taken if on certain drugs.

On a personal note I am including cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, radishes and strawberries in my menu plan ... how about you?

All the best Jan

14 comments:

Jo said...

I don't think there's anything more refreshing than watermelon on a hot day.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, great advice and I enjoy most of the 10 foods that are listed. Thank you for sharing! Have a happy weekend!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hi Jo - agree with you 100% when you say " I don't think there's anything more refreshing than watermelon on a hot day."

Whatever you do ... I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Eileen, glad you liked the article.
Hope you have a very happy weekend too, thank you.

All the best Jan

Anonymous said...

A very helpful article to read. Melons are a particular favourite of mine and they are most refreshing.

Kath ( retired HCP )

DeniseinVA said...

This is a wonderful post, thank you for the great tips. I drink a lot of water but the foods are an extra help. Thank you so much for your sweet comments regarding my father-in-law. I wish you a great weekend :)

TexWisGirl said...

i drink a lot of water and gatorade if i work outside. of these foods, i really only eat radishes and strawberries regularly. :)

Red Rose Alley said...

Jan, I love all these foods, but I haven't had grapefruit in such a long time. My dad always had a few in the fridge when I was growing up. Thanks for reminding me how good it is. So many health benefits too.

Have a nice weekend.

~Sheri

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Kath, and many thanks for your comment. I do so agree with you ... melons are so refreshing.

Hope you are having a pleasant weekend.

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Many thanks for your kind words Denise ... very pleased you found the article helpful. Wishing all your family a good weekend, and especially sending positive thoughts for your father-in-law.

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Hi TexWisGirl, thanks for your comments. I believe 'gatorade' is a US sports drink ... which I think is available in the UK? Must admit it's something I don't buy or drink, but know many may like it. I always have a bottle of water handy ... but find radishes and strawberries you mention, plus all the items in the original article can certainly help to keep me hydrated.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

All the best Jan.

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Sheri ... many thanks for stopping by. When growing up grapefruits were always in our house, as they appeared quite often to start the day at breakfast. Perhaps you may start again including them in your menu plans?

Hope you are having a very good weekend, I know it's an important one in the US.

Thanks for your comment.

All the best Jan

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

All great choices. I swear I could live on watermelon. I soooo love it!

Lowcarb team member said...

Hi Martha, and thanks for your comment. Watermelon is loved by many, including you and me LOL!
Many thanks for stopping by, do hope your weekend went well.

All the best Jan