We often don’t realise that we’re dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to confusion, fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Eating a variety of water-rich foods can help.
Generally, people don’t drink enough water. Water makes up a large percentage of our bodies. The actual percentage varies, depending on gender and age, but about 60% is a good average. So every cell of our bodies needs water to function properly. An illustration of this is to imagine our bodies’ cells as nice plump grapes – when we don’t keep them topped up with water they get shrivelled and dried up so they can’t do the work they need to.
WHAT IF I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO DRINK WATER?
Somehow the idea of 8 glasses a day is believed to be what we should aim for, but some scientists suggest it should be even more. So if you find it hard, try linking drinking a glass of water to something you do every day, e.g. brushing your teeth, arriving at work, every mealtime... A good way to top up your water intake is by consuming water-containing fruit and veggies.
WHAT IF I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO DRINK WATER?
Somehow the idea of 8 glasses a day is believed to be what we should aim for, but some scientists suggest it should be even more. So if you find it hard, try linking drinking a glass of water to something you do every day, e.g. brushing your teeth, arriving at work, every mealtime... A good way to top up your water intake is by consuming water-containing fruit and veggies.
Related article: Hydration: What you’re doing wrong
1. WATERMELON AND SWEET MELON (SPANSPEK)
Not surprisingly, watermelon contains lots of water, as its name suggests – about 92%, with sweet melon not far behind at 90%. They’re packed with fibre and vitamin A. Watermelon also contains vitamin C, magnesium and an antioxidant called lycopene, which helps prevent cell damage related to heart disease and diabetes. Enjoy these melons on their own to refresh you on a hot day, or as a healthy fruit skewer. They’re also delicious in salads.
1. WATERMELON AND SWEET MELON (SPANSPEK)
Not surprisingly, watermelon contains lots of water, as its name suggests – about 92%, with sweet melon not far behind at 90%. They’re packed with fibre and vitamin A. Watermelon also contains vitamin C, magnesium and an antioxidant called lycopene, which helps prevent cell damage related to heart disease and diabetes. Enjoy these melons on their own to refresh you on a hot day, or as a healthy fruit skewer. They’re also delicious in salads.
Related article: 7 Foods that pack a potassium punch – and why
2. CUCUMBER
Cooling cucumber’s high water content makes it a great base for smoothies and adds a fresh crunch to any sandwich or salad. It’s a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumber and lemon slices in a jug of water make a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. A slice of cucumber can relieve tired eyes, and if you’re grating it, be sure to use its juice as a skin toner.
3. LETTUCE
Another powerful source of water and fibre, lettuce contains vitamins A and K, good for the immune system. Low in carbohydrates, it helps fill you up. As well as being a key ingredient in most salads, lettuce can be used instead of grain-based wraps if you’re avoiding gluten. Don’t throw out lettuce that is looking a bit tired and limp – although it may not be crisp enough for a salad, it can be added to a soup.
2. CUCUMBER
Cooling cucumber’s high water content makes it a great base for smoothies and adds a fresh crunch to any sandwich or salad. It’s a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cucumber and lemon slices in a jug of water make a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. A slice of cucumber can relieve tired eyes, and if you’re grating it, be sure to use its juice as a skin toner.
3. LETTUCE
Another powerful source of water and fibre, lettuce contains vitamins A and K, good for the immune system. Low in carbohydrates, it helps fill you up. As well as being a key ingredient in most salads, lettuce can be used instead of grain-based wraps if you’re avoiding gluten. Don’t throw out lettuce that is looking a bit tired and limp – although it may not be crisp enough for a salad, it can be added to a soup.
4. CABBAGE
A budget-friendly way to boost your water intake, while providing fibre and good nutrients. Cabbage contains vitamins C and K, folate (essential in pregnancy) and antioxidants called glucosinolates, which may help combat certain cancers. It can be enjoyed raw in a rainbow slaw with grated carrot, beetroot and raisins, or lightly steamed as a hot vegetable. A popular South African favourite is cabbage frikkadel.
5. ZUCCHINI (BABY MARROWS, COURGETTES)
This small vegetable has three different names! Maybe because it contains lots of nutrients: as well as water and fibre, it provides manganese, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and K. Sliced thinly, it can be added raw to salads. Because it doesn’t have a very strong flavour, it blends well in soups, stews and curries. It’s also become very popular as ‘zoodles’ – cut into spaghetti-type strips as a low-carb and gluten-free substitute for pasta.
Related article: How to plant a vegetable garden
INTERESTING FACT
When people need to add fibre to their diets, they are told to make sure they drink enough water so that the fibre doesn’t block them up even more. Have you noticed that many of these foods contain both fibre and water? So these foods do it naturally!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325958
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods
A budget-friendly way to boost your water intake, while providing fibre and good nutrients. Cabbage contains vitamins C and K, folate (essential in pregnancy) and antioxidants called glucosinolates, which may help combat certain cancers. It can be enjoyed raw in a rainbow slaw with grated carrot, beetroot and raisins, or lightly steamed as a hot vegetable. A popular South African favourite is cabbage frikkadel.
5. ZUCCHINI (BABY MARROWS, COURGETTES)
This small vegetable has three different names! Maybe because it contains lots of nutrients: as well as water and fibre, it provides manganese, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A, C and K. Sliced thinly, it can be added raw to salads. Because it doesn’t have a very strong flavour, it blends well in soups, stews and curries. It’s also become very popular as ‘zoodles’ – cut into spaghetti-type strips as a low-carb and gluten-free substitute for pasta.
Related article: How to plant a vegetable garden
INTERESTING FACT
When people need to add fibre to their diets, they are told to make sure they drink enough water so that the fibre doesn’t block them up even more. Have you noticed that many of these foods contain both fibre and water? So these foods do it naturally!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325958
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods
5 WATER-RICH FOODS TO KEEP YOU NOURISHED AND HYDRATED
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
April 19, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Edgars Mag
on
April 19, 2022
Rating:
