Some vegetables are particularly rich in water and are thus ideal allies of hydration.
- Diet helps maintain a level of hydration that is essential for good health.
- The water intake can be brought by drinks but also by certain vegetables.
- This is the case with lettuce, cucumbers, radishes, celery and zucchini.
Even without the heat wave, staying hydrated is essential to maintaining your health. And if drinks are welcome, they are not the only sources to be privileged. Indeed, the body is hydrated largely thanks to the foods that we consume and even more so if we take foods rich in water, recall American dietitian nutritionists.
Staying hydrated helps organs function
Drinking enough water every day is essential for many reasons since it helps regulate body temperature, maintain flexible joints or even prevent infections. Hydration also provides nutrients to the cells and ensures the proper functioning of the organs. It also improves sleep quality, cognition and mood.
To maintain the amount of water what the body needs daily (women 2.7 litres, men 3.7 litres), it is recommended to include fruits and vegetables with every meal and every snack.
Lettuce and cucumber are among the most water-rich vegetables
Lettuce is the most hydrating vegetable. It is very rich in water, says dietitian Alexandra Miller, since it contains 96%. It is also low in calories (only 10 calories per serving). This salad can also be a source of vitamin A which plays a role in eye health and vitamins C which contribute strengthen the immune system and lower blood pressure.
In second place, we find the cucumber which is made up of 95% water. It is also very low in calories (15 calories per 100 grams). It is packed with potassium, which is known to prevent strokes. In addition, cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory substance, fisetin. Finally they also promote gut health and strengthen bones.
Hydration: zucchini and celery are on the menu
Courgettes contain as much water as cucumbers (95% water). On average, there are 20 calories per serving. This vegetable is also home to a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds, such as vitamins A and C and potassium. Its main role in the body is to help maintain normal fluid levels inside our cells and it also contributes to muscle contraction and maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Celery is also a very good source of hydration with 95% water. A study from the University of Missouri, USA, showed that apigenin, a compound found in this vegetable, can prevent breast cancer cells from multiplying and spreading.
The food also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds and can aid digestion. It is also a slimming ally since a stalk of celery contains only 10 calories.
Radish, the hydrating root vegetable
Finally, on the last step of this top 5 of the most hydrating vegetables, we find the radish. It is 95% water and 16 calories per 100 grams. “Radishes are known for their cooling effect. The natural heat or spicy flavor of a radish works on the body to help relieve excess heat in the body“, explains Rebecca Scritchfield, author of the book Body Kindnessquoted in Eat This Not That.
The expert adds that radishes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, phosphorus and zinc, key minerals, and antioxidants. These are known for their anti-aging effects, protecting cells and nourishing tissues.