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Watermelon-slices1It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but in the summer we lose fluids more quickly and it is vital that we get enough hydration. While everyone’s requirements may slightly differ, a good rule of thumb is to aim to consume approximately half of your body weight (pounds) in ounces. For example, a 150 lb. person should consume 75 ounces of water. While this may seem like a lot, the water in our food constitutes approximately 20% of our daily H2O intake. Here’s a list of 5 Foods Help You to Stay Hydrated:

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is a classic beach food, and for good reason! This nutrient-dense sweet treat is made up of 92% water. High in vitamin A, vitamin C, watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. (1)

2. Cucumber

Made up of 95% water, cucumbers have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits due to their high levels of phytonutrients (plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties) such flavonoids, lignans and triterpenes. The peel and seeds contain fiber and beta-carotene and calcium. (2) On the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list, cucumbers retain pestiside residue, so be sure to buy organic!

3. Celery

95.4% water, celery also contains folate and vitamins A, C, and K. (3) Researchers have also linked a compound in celery, apigenin, with strong anti-tumor activity. (4)

4. Tomato

Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, tomatoes are made up of 94.5% water. Rich in vitamins A and C and folic acid, tomatoes contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein. (5)

5. Bell Pepper

The vitamin A and C content of peppers increase support the immune system while the 93.9% water content helps keep you hydrated. The capsaicin and sulur in bell peppers may reduce  inflammation, lower ‘bad’ cholesterol, controls diabetes, and protect against certain cancers. (6)

Some additional delicious and refreshing foods to add to your beach bag are grapefruit, cantaloupe, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, raspberries, zucchini, radish, orange, pineapple and plums!

For additional recipes, and to find out the truth about weather or not watermelon is suitable to consume when trying to lose weight, please follow this link: click here

Sources:

1. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886.php

2. http://www.livescience.com/51000-cucumber-nutrition.html

3. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20709014_4,00.html

4. http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com/celery-discovered-to-fight-listed-cancers/

5. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273031.php

6. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-incredible-health-benefits-of-bell-peppers.html

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