Cantaloupe, Orange, broth…10 water-rich fruits, food to keep you hydrated

The human body needs an average of six to eight glasses of fluid in a day to maintain optimum hydration, metabolism and normal functioning of the vital organs.

People often think water when hydration is mentioned but foods, fruits and vegetables can also provide the body with needed fluids.

In fact, we get about 20% of our total fluid intake from the food in our diet. Relatively low fibre, water-packed fruits and veggies may hydrate the body twice as effectively as water.

While water remains king, eating the right foods can make all the difference to how thirsty and dehydrated you feel, especially when the weather is on the high side.

Below are some fruits to complement your water intake

Watermelon

The name confirms it as super hydrating fruit, containing 92% water, 8% sugar and a variety of mineral salts including sodium, magnesium and potassium, vitamins A and C that are essential for optimum hydration.

Get the extra sauce by cooling your watermelon slices in the refrigerator before consuming it.

Strawberries

With 91 percent water content, strawberries make the top list of hydrating foods.

In addition to contributing to your daily water intake.

Cucumber

Munch on a cucumber to replace lost body fluid or boost up your body water content. Cucumbers boast of 96% water– thanks to its mineral salts and sugars, which mimic the body’s natural electrolyte balance.

Peeling the fibrous skin will further boost the cucumber’s hydrating effects.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is a melon that is extremely nutritious and may boost your health in several ways.

One cup (177 grams) of cantaloupe is composed of about 90% water and delivers more than a half cup (118 ml) of water per serving.

One cup of cantaloupe also contains 2 grams of fiber, which works together with water to promote fullness and reduce your appetite.

You can consume cantaloupe plain or add it to salads, smoothies or yogurt.

Orange

This vitamin-rich fruit comes handy when you need to rehydrate your body.

Oranges have an 88 percent water content, in addition to disease-fighting antioxidants, including flavonoids, which may prevent cell damage by reducing inflammation.

The water and fiber in oranges may promote feelings of fullness, which is helpful for keeping your appetite under control, thus aiding weight loss.

Soups and broths

Kill two birds with one stone when you consume soups or broths.

Broths and soups are usually water-based and have the potential to be very hydrating and nutritious.

Plain yoghurt/smoothies/milk

Adding smoothies (blend fruit) and dairy products in your diet keep you hydrated and you may not necessarily have to take all that water to keep your system running.

Tomatoes

Eat it plain or add it to your salad, soup or sauce…you can never go wrong with a pulp of tomato.

With 94 percent water content, be sure to get rehydrated by consuming tomatoes.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an impressively healthy cruciferous vegetable with a 92% water content.

It is low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients including vitamins C and K, folate and several trace minerals.

Cabbage is commonly fermented into sauerkraut, which is also rich in water and may benefit digestive health.

Coconut

Crack open a coconut and gulp down its water or chew on the flesh to keep your body hydrated.