During the day, your body gives signals that it needs hydration, but most of us don't pay attention. Feel like you hit an energy wall? Notice your skin is looking tired at 3 PM? Been to the bathroom multiple times and still feel dehydrated? It's your cells telling you that they don't just need water, they need SMART hydration.
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Check PriceHydration needs to be more than simply drinking water. Unfortunately, most of the time water simply flows through your system without being absorbed and providing the hydration your body needs. Instead, try these 12 foods that are rich in water. These foods offer nutrients and moisture to your cells. It's like they are providing an IV drip.
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1. Cucumber (96% Water) – The Cellular Hydrator
Cucumbers aren't just mostly water, they also contain silica and potassium, which help your skin retain moisture. This makes your skin feel hydrated, and combined with the high water content helps to flush out toxins. Plus, because cucumbers contain natural electrolytes, your body will absorb the water in the cucumber.
2. Iceberg Lettuce (96% Water) – The Energy Booster
The fiber structure of iceberg lettuce allows for a slow-release hydration. It helps water remain in the body for a longer period of time in order to prevent energy dips caused by drinking too much plain water too quickly.
3. Celery: 95% Water – Nature's Sports Drink
Natural sodium in celery helps it qualify as an ideal post-workout snack. Your body retains the hydration instead of immediately flushing it out. Celery and water beat the competition of even the most over-priced sports drinks.
4. Radishes (95% water) metabolism booster.
These roots quench your thirst and help your liver process and use water better. They help your body detox naturally, which improves hydration.
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5. Tomatoes – The Hydrating Antioxidant (94% Water)
The high water content of tomatoes gives them natural UV protection and keeps skin hydrated and supple. Given this, tomatoes are a great source of hydration for increased summer sun UV exposure.
6. Bell Peppers (94% Water) – The Vitamin C Transportation System
Bell peppers provide more vitamin C than oranges. Bell peppers can help your body make collagen. They also provide hydration to the body. This combination helps the skin stay moist and elastic.
7. Spinach (92% Water) – The Iron Hydrator
Spinach contains water and iron, which increases oxygen circulation in your blood. When circulation improves, so does the body's distribution of hydration.
8. Watermelon (91% Water) \- Nature’s Electrolyte Drink
Your body can better absorb and retain Water than plain H20 due to the Natural Sugars and Amino Acids found in watermelons. Additionally, the citrulline present in watermelons supports the flow of blood, which improves the delivery of hydration to your muscles.
9. Strawberries (91% water) Collagen Protectors
These berries contain high amounts of water alongside vitamin C and anthocyanins which help retain moisture in the skin. They act as an edible anti-aging treatment that hydrates the skin from the inside out.
10. Cantaloupe (90% Water) – The Most Powerful in Potassium
Cantaloupes help you stay hydrated for longer periods of time due to their high potassium content. In fact, they contain higher levels of potassium than bananas, which also means they help manage fluid in your cells better than bananas! This means you will not have to refill your water bottle as often.
11. Broccoli (90% Water) – The Detox Hydrator
Although you might not consider broccoli a hydrating food, its water content, along with sulforaphane compounds, helps support the detoxification functions of your liver. The cleaner your system, the better your body is at absorbing and utilizing water.
12. Zucchini (Contains 90% Water) – The Gentle Hydrator
You can eat zucchini raw or blend it into smoothies since its flavor is not overpowering and it contains a lot of water. Also, because it is high in potassium and magnesium, it can help prevent cramps caused by dehydration or heavy sweating.
The Science Behind Smart Hydration
Your body needs the right delivery system and just water won't cut it. These foods work because they give your body the hydration plus all the nutrients needed to properly absorb it. The fiber helps slow the release of water and avoids the rapid flush-through that occurs with just plain water. Your cells will actually hold the moisture because of the natural electrolytes.
The great news is that you can improve your hydration by eating! It will also provide nutrients that will help with energy, skin, and general wellness. This is the type of smart hydration your body has been asking for, now you’ve learned to listen.
