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Keep your body happy and hydrated with these 8 foods

By Sophie Demetriades   |  

We all know that keeping hydrated is vital for good health; every cell, tissue and organ needs water. If you’re struggling to reach your recommended (by the NHS) 6-8 glasses of water a day, combine drinking water with eating your way to boosted hydration. We’ve spoken with our experts on why it is so important to keep hydrated, and the top foods to up our body’s water levels…

How can you tell if you’re dehydrated?

“Symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, dry skin, irritability, lack of concentration and dizziness amongst others. The best way of checking your hydration levels is to look at your urine. Aim for it to be as clear as possible – dark urine is a clue that you might be dehydrated,” explains Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing

Not a fan of the taste of water? Get fruity with it!

If you find water a bit tasteless and unappealing, so struggle to drink the recommended amount, try adding fruit! “You can infuse water with cucumber, lemon, mint, strawberries or blueberries overnight for refreshing flavoured water,” says Lily Soutter, nutritionist and weight loss expert at lilysoutternutrition.com.

Shona shares her top 8 hydrating foods

1. Cucumber

Cucumber contains 96% water which is great for hydration. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Cucumber contains 96% water which is great for hydration. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Cucumbers are one of the top hydrating foods. They are thought to be composed of a massive 96% water. They are therefore great to eat to keep our water levels up. Try adding them to juices, or snacking on them. In the summer consider a delicious cold cucumber soup.

2. Watermelon

Watermelon is a potent antioxidant. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Watermelon is a potent antioxidant. Image credit: pixabay.com.

The name is a bit of a give away! Watermelon is made up of 92% water. It is also a good source of lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant. Add a slice of watermelon to your glass of water to add flavour, and then eat the watermelon when you’re finished!

3. Pineapples

Pineapples help the digestive system. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Pineapples help the digestive system. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Treat yourself to a pineapple. Pineapples contain 87% water. They are delicious and also help our digestive system, as they contain a digestive enzyme called Bromelain. Try making your own pineapple ice-lollies for a tasty and refreshing source of water.

4. Grapefruit

Grapefruit hydrates and helps with weight management. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Grapefruit hydrates and helps with weight management. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Grapefruits are composed of 91% water. They are also often eaten to help with weight management. A word of caution though if you are on any prescription medication, as grapefruits can interfere with them so check with your healthcare provider first.

5. Celery

Celery is extremely low in calories. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Celery is extremely low in calories. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Celery has a water content of 94%. In addition, they are exceptionally low in calories – a mere 6 calories per stalk. They are also high in fibre and Vitamins A, C and K. Snack on these throughout the day and remember that they can easily be added to foods such as soups and stews.

6. Blueberries

Blueberries have a high antioxidant content. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Blueberries have a high antioxidant content. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Blueberries along with most berries are composed of approximately 85% water. Blueberries are one of our superfoods, due to their high antioxidant content, so are a great fruit to snack on. Pop them into the water when you’re making ice cubes for a healthy and pretty option!

7. Lettuce

Lettuce has a high water content which helps to hydrate. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Lettuce has a high water content which helps to hydrate. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Lettuce is exceptionally high in water (approx. 96%). Nutritionists tend not to recommend lettuce too often, as there is very little nutritional content. It however great to add bulk to a meal, and of course add to your water intake!

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are even better for you when cooked. Image credit: pixabay.com.
Tomatoes are even better for you when cooked. Image credit: pixabay.com.

Tomatoes contain about 94% water. They also contain a rich concentration of lycopene. Remember that tomatoes are one of the very few foods, which are even better for you when they’re cooked! Add them to stews and soups and have cooked tomatoes on wholegrain toast as a great snack.

Main image at the top of the article image credit: pixabay.com.