Submitted by Guest Blogger Zyana Morris, Written by Batool Ali
As summer catches on and the mercury rises, you have to be particularly careful about combatting the heat and keeping yourself hydrated. Not only does staying hydrated keep you healthy and energetic but your skin looks radiant too. Drinking water is the best way to keep you hydrated, no doubt about that, but there are alternate sources as well that not only will prove to be hydrating but also give you nourishment.
Cucumbers: just like other fruits and vegetables, cucumbers are mostly water. But, they also have other nutrients which nourish the body, such as Vitamin C and caffeic acid. They help sooth the skin. You can have cucumbers plain, or in salads, or even add them to your water.
Coconut water: water from young coconuts is a great way to combat dehydration. Drinking coconut water helps replace the water and electrolytes in thebody. Not only that, coconut water has vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, perfect for replenishing your body after having spent the whole day under the sun.
Watermelon: watermelon happens to be among the most hydrating foods available. This fruit is mostly made of water but since it also contains other nutrients – such as essential hydrating salts, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium –it is the best possible thing to have if you want to recover the water and nutrients lost during a hot summer day.
Cabbage: not only does cabbage keep you hydrated but it is a great vegetable for lowering cholesterol. It is loaded with Vitamin C which means it is a beauty food too. Also, it helps you lost weight because of tons of fiber in it. The best way to have it is raw, in your salad or as an appetizer.
Iced rooibos tea: though water is a great way to replace your body water, if cannot keep having plain water and want a bit of flavor, try iced rooibos tea. It is caffeine free and refreshes and hydrates you nicely. Besides, it has lots of antioxidants, minerals and Vitamin C.
Green salad: lettuce is 90% water, making it a great hydrating food. Have it as an appetizer, or with a snack or lunch. Besides water, lettuce also has fiber that helps keep you full.
Apples:apples may seem to be boring and a very basic fruit but they are actually very refreshing. They contain water like other fruits, but they also allow for lowered cholesterol levels, help with weight loss and in building a healthy heart. If you are concerned about the sugar levels in apples, the green ones have less of that than red ones.
Pineapples: I hardy know anyone who does not like pineapples, such delicious summer fruits they are.Besides their hydrating feature, they have lots of bromelain as well which helps with digestion. Pineapples are also a way to naturally detoxify your body.
Berries: berries have a lot of water but they are also loaded with antioxidants that help in detoxification. Fiber in berries keeps you full.
Carrots: carrots appear to be quite dense but the truth is they help a lot with keeping you hydrated, considering that 90% of carrots are water. They contain loads of beta-carotene, more so than other vegetables, that is great for eyes and also protects against cancer.
Author Bio: Batool Ali is a passionate health and lifestyle blogger.