Staying hydrated in the scorching heat is the most important thing to do this summer. With warnings of heat waves and health consequences, experts insist on drinking water and consuming a diet that helps replenish lost fluids from the body. Apart from water, juices, coconut water, and other liquids that are known as thirst quenchers, there are a few vegetables that help keep your body cool due to their nutrient content and electrolytes.
Here are the famous five veggies that can be your superheroes this summer and save you from the sweltering heat.
- Cucumbers – The Ultimate Cooling Champions
These are superheroes in every sense. Made up of 96% water cucumbers are the most hydrating vegetables you can eat to keep you cool and hydrated. They are rich in antioxidants, and Vitamin K and they help you flush out the toxins from your body giving your skin that natural glow. An added benefit is that they are easily consumable in their raw form in salads, and raitas and even infused with water to make it taste better and refreshing.
- Tomatoes- Juicy and full of electrolytes
Tomatoes are made up of 94 % water and are loaded with potassium, vitamin C, and lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from the damage caused by the harsh rays of the sun. The best part of tomatoes is the versatility in the way they can be consumed. They can be eaten raw in salads as a soup, juice, or even added to gravies. In whichever form they may be consumed tomatoes remain an excellent addition to the summer diet.
- Lettuce- A crunchy hydrating delight
Lettuce also has 95% water content in them. Additionally, they are an excellent source of fiber and other vital nutrients. They can be easily added in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and along with the main course to keep you well hydrated this summer. There are multiple varieties like romaine and iceberg in lettuce that are easily available.
- Bottle gourd- The secret traditional summer vegetable
Many don’t know but bottle gourd is a staple and favorite vegetable in most households. With a high water content of around 92% bottle gourd is well-known for its cooling properties. Moreover, they are also packed with fiber and important minerals that help in digestion and aid the body in regulating its temperature. Usually consumed as juices, soups or as stir-fried these gourds are great natural heat-beaters.
- Spinach- The green water body
For those of you who always associated spinach with iron, this will be a revelation. Spinach surprisingly has a good 91% of water content and it is a rich source of magnesium and potassium. The two most important electrolytes that regulate the body temperature. Add spinach to your salads, stir fry it, make a soup, and even juice or smoothie to keep you hydrated by this amazing green powerhouse this summer. They can be added to curries too for an extra dose of iron and nutrients.
Apart from these hydrating vegetables, there are more foods that you can consume this summer to keep the water levels in your body sufficiently high. Try incorporating oranges, and melons into your diet and keep away from sugary and caffeinated drinks like colas and coffee that can dehydrate you. Remember to carry a water bottle with you at all times.
Summers are fun as long as they don’t dehydrate. Stay energized and fresh this season and feel better every day naturally.
Before we end we’d like to draw your attention to some lesser-known signs of dehydration that can be easily missed. Read our blog and find out more about how your body subtly keeps nudging you to refill the quintessential fluids that are life-givers.
