Hydrating Fruits & Veggies

Every organ in our body requires water to properly operate, for example, to regulate temperature, remove waste and lubricate joints and to have supple, healthy-looking skin, among other things. 

Staying hydrated also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to the muscles and can boost metabolism, which can lead to weight loss.

Not staying hydrated can be the cause of minor conditions like headaches and swollen feet. But dehydration can lead to much more serious problems such as heat stroke, fatigue and irritability.

Signs of dehydration include little or dark urine, headache or extreme thirst. The easiest way to avoid these situations is to make a conscious effort to get enough water every day.

Drinking water itself is the most beneficial, but there are other ways to stay hydrated. Roughly 20% of our daily water intake comes from food.

Hydrating with Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and vegetables not only contain key vitamins, minerals and nutrients, they also have a high water content (more than 96%).

Here are some of the best options when it comes to hydrating fruits & veggies (percentages indicate total water content):

• Cucumbers 96.99%
• Iceberg lettuce 95.69%
• Radishes 95.69%
• Celery 95.45%
• Tomatoes 94.94%
• Zucchini 94.35%
• Eggplant 92.44%
• Bell peppers 91.94%
• Cauliflower 91.90%
• Star fruit 91.67%

• Watermelon 91.56%
• Spinach 91.33%
• Strawberries 90.79%
• Baby carrots 90.67%
• Cantaloupe 90.40%
• Broccoli 89.34%
• Grapefruit 88.26%
• Apples 85.60%
• Raspberries 85.37%
• Blueberries 84.46%
• Pears 83.78%
• Kiwi 83.05%
• Oranges 82.35%
• Mangos 81.82%
• Grapes 80.79%
• Avocado 72.17%

Because they have such high water levels, these foods are often very low in calories. Celery, for example, is 95% water and has only 6 calories per stalk. It is also a source of folate and vitamins A, C and K.