1. Staying hydrated helps our hearts pump blood through the blood vessels to our muscles more easily, which results in our hearts not having to work as hard.
2. Dehydration can result in kidney failure, seizures and swelling of the brain. In fact, it can even be fatal.
3. Drinking more water has been shown to be associated with a decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease.
Although there are many more explanations about why staying hydrated and drinking enough water is important, for these reasons alone, you should already be reaching for a glass if you haven’t had any water yet today! But now let’s talk about how you can also stay hydrated through the foods that you eat. Of course you want to make sure that you’re still drinking as much water as your body needs (especially in this summer heat), but if you’re looking for a few other ways to keep your body hydrated, start by being smart about your food choices. Here are 5 foods that can help you out this summer:
Cucumbers: According to Health.com, at 96.7%, cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food. It doesn’t matter if you put some in your next salad or slice it up and eat it on its own – either way, cucumbers are a great source of water for your body.
Watermelon: There’s nothing like biting into a juicy piece of watermelon on a hot summer day! Not only is this fruit good for you and a better choice over cookies and ice cream, but it is also made up of 91.5% water, making it very helpful in terms of staying hydrated.
Strawberries: Although any berry can help you with hydration, your big, juicy strawberries are one of the best options. Strawberries are said to have a water content of 91%, whereas raspberries and blueberries measure in at about 85%. Of course they’re all a great option, but if you want the best, try adding some strawberries to your yogurt or whip up a strawberry smoothie!
Grapefruit: Grapefruits have been a long-time popular fruit for people on a weight loss journey, but we think they should also be a dietary staple for all of us due to their high water content – 90.5%!
Cantaloupe: With a water content of 90.2%, cantaloupe is the perfect choice, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Health.com explains that one six-ounce serving of cantaloupe contains only about 50 calories, and better yet, it can also provide you with 100% of your daily intake of vitamins A and C!
While this isn’t to say you don’t need to drink any water if you’re eating these foods, they are certainly worth trying in addition to your water intake as you work to keep your body hydrated this summer!
Chip’s Family Restaurant is a restaurant in Fairfield, Orange, Southbury, Trumbull and Wethersfield, and has been serving the local people of Connecticut since 1966. With five locations throughout the state of CT, there is an opportunity for everyone to experience the menu items that has everyone in the area talking! To learn where you can find a Chip’s near you, please visit the locations tab above.