Having a good daily intake of water is essential to your health. It is scientifically proved that your body is composed of 60% water. This water helps your body function and maintain itself throughout the day. Drinking enough water is important to keep the body actively working around the clock with digestion, transference of nutrients and body temperature maintenance. It also keeps your skin clear and glowing full of heath. Water also helps your body flush out toxins that can affect clogged pores that cause acne. This flushing process also keeps your kidneys functioning properly by transporting waste/urine into the bladder to later be disposed of.
Experts have suggested drinking eight glasses of water per day in order to keep your body healthy. The foods you choose to eat can add to your daily water intake. Lets take a look at some foods that lead to a high yield of hydration:
Watermelon:
Did you know that watermelon is made up of 92% water and 6% sugar? It’s like eating a water balloon; the name alone should be an indication. The fruit not only keeps you hydrated, it also has additional health benefits when consumed. It has levels of vitamin A, B6, C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids and some potassium. Its also been linked to decrease risk of prostate cancer because of the antioxidant capabilities of lycopene.
Cauliflower, cucumber, celery, tomatoes, spinach and zucchini:
All of those vegetables contain 91 to 96 percent water. Eat them separately or throw them in all together to create a healthy salad. Vegetables host powerful antioxidants including vitamin C and E, folic acid, lycopene, and alpha and beta-carotene. Now you know why your parent always told you to eat your vegetables when you were young.
Strawberries, and berries in general:
Berries in general are very healthy and contain water, but strawberries hold the most content of water at 91%. They are extremely high in vitamin C, and include potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, and magnesium; all of which are important for your bone health. Eat them alone, mix them with other food, or live on edge by dipping them in chocolate.
Grapefruit:
Did you know that a grapefruit is made up of 90.5% of water? They contain fiber, potassium, lycopene, vitamin C and choline, all of which help keep your heart healthier. Studies even suggest the influence of triglycerides help maintain your blood lipid levels.
Baby sized carrots:
These carrots are composed of 90% water. Their high content of beta-carotene and fiber, as well as being rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese, all help maintain a healthy body. These antioxidants also help maintain healthy skin. Carrots also increase enzymes in your body that help with digestion. However, eating to many carrots, or foods in general that contain beta-carotene can cause your skin to have an orang or yellow tinge. Some experts believe this hue of color is your skin naturally expressing its health.