The 5 Most Water-Dense Fruits and Veggies to Help You Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water can be a challenge, especially for those that don’t necessarily enjoy the taste (or lack thereof) of water. So how can you stay on top of your water consumption without toting around a water bottle everywhere you go? It's simple: Eat your water. Here are the top fruits and vegetables with high water content, so you can make your food intake work harder for you.
Related: This Is the Key to Keeping Energy and Electrolytes High When Training
Vegetables With High Water Content
Aside from the relatively obvious celery and lettuce, these five water-dense vegetables will keep you craving beneficial phytonutrients.
1. Bok Choy (95% water)
2. Radishes (95% water)
3. Cucumber (95% water)
4. Zucchini (95% water)
5. Watercress (95% water)
Fruits With High Water Content
1. Watermelon (92% water)
2. Strawberries (92% water)
3. Grapefruit (91% water)
4. Cantaloupe (90% water)
5. Peaches (88% water)
3 Reasons to Hydrate
Mind
Your brain is made up of 80% water. A hydrated brain is able to conduct the electrical impulses required for optimal memory capacity, quick thinking, and focus.
Body
A healthy body — and gut — needs adequate hydration to repair the stomach lining and keep food moving smoothly through the digestive tract. Hydrated muscle can contract appropriately, making for stronger workouts and faster recovery.
Related: This Is Why Hydration Is More Important Than You Think
Soul
The same hydration that helps the brain maintain memory and thought, also helps amino acids cross the blood brain barrier. One of these amino acids, tryptophan, converts to serotonin within the brain. Dehydration can limit the amount of tryptophan that can cross the blood brain barrier, resulting in less serotonin. Since serotonin is linked to a positive mood, inadequate hydration can result in feelings often associated with depression.
