Hydrating Foods - Benefits and Recipes
Hydrating Foods - Benefits and Recipes:
As it gets warmer in the upcoming summer weeks, it's good to keep your body hydrated with plenty of water, and keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays. In addition to drinking water, a great way to stay hydrated is to eat healthy hydrating foods.
Here are our favorites, with details on what nutrients they provide, and some fun recipes for you to try!
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes have Lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber, and Beta-carotene. Lycopene helps prevent prostate cancer, improve heart health, and prevents sunburn. Vitamin A helps your vision, immune system, growth and development, and organs. Vitamin C helps the growth and repair of tissues, helps the body make collage, and supports your teeth and bones. Potassium benefits the nerve function and muscle contraction. Fiber is great for constipation, your digestive system, weight loss, and blood sugar regulation, and lowers your risk of diseases. Beta-carotene helps maintain your skin's health and appearance, and may protect it from the sun's UV radiation.
Some great recipes on our website featuring tomatoes are Caprese Appetizer (under Recipes -> Vegetarian) and Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Eggplant (under Recipes -> Pasta Dishes).
2. Watermelon
Watermelon also contain Lycopene like tomatoes, but it also have antioxidants, which can prevent or delay some types of cell damage.
Try adding Tajin or chili powder on watermelon for a spicy watermelon dish!
3. Peaches
Peaches have Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, and also B-complex Vitamins. B-complex Vitamins help convert food to energy, and help your cells grow, develop, and function.
A delicious way to eat peaches are Grilled Peaches with Burrata, which is on our website under Recipes -> Vegetarian.
4. Zucchini
Zucchini is a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Potassium. Vitamin B6 aids normal brain development, the nervous system, and the immune system.
On our website you can find Orecchiette with Sautéed Zucchini under Recipes -> Pasta dishes, and Zucchini Ribbon Salad under Recipes -> Salads!
5. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers contain antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.
A fun recipe on our website with bell peppers is the Stuffed Bell Peppers recipes, under Recipes -> Poultry.
6. Cauliflowers
Cauliflowers are a great source of antioxidants, Fiber, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Folate. Vitamin K helps blood clotting, and Folate supports red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth and function.
You can try cooking cauliflower with these recipes from our website: Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce (under Recipes -> Vegetables) or Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese (under Recipes -> Vegetables).
7. Spinach
Spinach contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium.
We have many recipes featuring spinach, such as Frittata (under Recipes -> Vegetables), Wheat Berry Garden Vegetable Salad (under Recipes -> Salads), and Spinach Salad (under Recipes -> Salads).
8. Strawberries
Strawberries have Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium, and antioxidants.
Our website features a Berry Spinach Salad under Recipes -> Salads!
9. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great source of Vitamin K, Lignans, and Flavonoids. Lignans can prevent cancer, and Flavonoids help heart health.
Some recipes you can try with cucumbers are Cucumber Avocado Salad and Mediterranean Salad (both under Recipes -> Salads).
We hope you enjoy these nine hydrating foods and beat the heat this summer!
Works Cited:
“Beat the Heat with Hydrating Foods This Summer.” Www.Heart.Org, 22 June 2023.
“Know More. Be Healthier.” Verywell Fit, Verywell Fit.
Uclahealth. “15 Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.” UCLA Health, 17 June 2022.