Vegetables and fruits, either when consumed raw or in the form of juice, provide vitamins and minerals as well as extra hydration, but they cannot replace the necessary amount of water the body needs daily.
For optimal hydration, it is recommended to “think green” – that is, to include fresh seasonal vegetables in the main meals three times a day. Water contained in vegetables is pure, and its structure is compatible with the human cells.
Eat fresh, ripe fruits for snack rather than at main meals
Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that can significantly contribute to the hydration of the body because of their high water content:
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain 97% water, and they are a perfect ingredient in salads. If you want to make the most of the moisturizing effect of cucumbers, eat them in salads, fresh juice or cold soup: in a blender, mix the cucumber slices with mint, natural spices and greens, and add ice cubes when serving.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain 94.5% water. They can be an excellent snack (especially sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes), and can be added to salads, sauces and juices.
3. Bell peppers
Whether green, yellow or red, bell peppers have high water content (92%-94%). It is an excellent source of vitamins (especially A and C), folic acid and dietary fiber. Red peppers contain almost 11 times more beta-carotene than green ones.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is a source of sulforaphane, a compound that accelerates the action of the body’s protective enzymes. It contains 91% water, few calories, and is rich in vitamin C, fiber and calcium.
5. Spinach
It is recommended to include raw spinach leaves in your daily diet, as they hydrate the body better than any other leafy vegetables (they contain 91.4% water). In addition, spinach is rich in lutein, potassium, fiber and folic acid. A cup of spinach juice contains 15% of the recommended daily vitamin E intake.
6. Berries
All berries are excellent for hydrating the body, and they contain antioxidants that have an important role in protecting cells. If you want to fully enjoy the benefits of berries, consume them raw or in smoothies.
7. Watermelon
This juicy fruit is one of the richest sources of lycopene, an important antioxidant necessary to fights cancer. Watermelon has high water content (91.5%), and it contains a lot of fiber, which contributes to the regulation of intestinal transit.
Zucchini, eggplant, avocado and carrots also have high water content (between 80% and 90%).
Cherries, pineapples, strawberries, apricots, kiwis, citrus fruits (especially lemons) are some more fruits that are excellent for hydration.