EAT YOUR WAY TO PERFECT HYDRATION

EAT YOUR WATER!

Hi everyone and welcome to WHAT’S ON THE MENU MONDAY.  It’s August already and we are two thirds through another summer. We all know how important it is to stay hydrated during the hot summer months and drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining Good Health and Wellness.

According to experts, our bodies are about 70 percent water and to “feed” our bodies we should drink about eight glasses of water each day. After all, proper hydration can reduce the risk of cancer, relieve fatigue, improve brain function, boost our mood, reduce illness and make us look younger!

Yet, sticking to this eight-glass per day model can be challenging for some of us, especially when we’re super busy. So, thank goodness there are other ways we can nourish our bodies and stay hydrated. And, one of the easiest ways to do this is to eat our water!

It’s estimated that around twenty-percent of our daily water intake is supplied by solid food – especially fruits and vegetables. So, today we’re going to focus on six wonderfully hydrating fruits and veggies, that in addition to drinking our water, will help us meet our recommended daily requirement of good old H2O.

OUR TOP SIX PICKS FOR WATER-RICH FOODS:

• CUCUMBER. Number one on our list is the cucumber. This light and crunchy veggie has the highest water content of any solid food with an H2O content of about 96.7 percent. Cucumbers contain no fat and are low in calories, which make them the perfect compliment to any diet. They’re also loaded with nutrients and a flavanol called fisetin that helps reduce inflammation in the body and improve brain function. And, the polyphenols in this veggie, also known as lignans, help prevent cancer of the breast, ovaries and prostate and help stop the growth of existing tumors. So, stop using this veggie in a supporting role and start using it as the main attraction!
• ICEBERG LETTUCE. This super crunchy lettuce is sometimes considered a “light weight” when talking nutrition. It’s often ignored in favor of darker leafy greens like romaine lettuce and spinach, both of which contain higher amounts of fiber, folate and vitamin K. But, when it comes to water content, at 95.6 percent iceberg lettuce has the highest of any lettuce on the market. It’s also a very low-calorie veggie that’s free of fat and cholesterol and very low in sodium.
• TOMATOES. With a water content of 94.5 percent, the tomato is the perfect addition to any salad, sandwich or sauce. In fact, the sweet cherry and grape varieties can be popped right in our mouths for a light and refreshing snack any time of the day. Tomatoes also are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect us from several cancers, including those of the prostate, breast and esophagus. One tomato also contains high levels of vitamin C, another cancer-fighting antioxidant as well as potassium and iron for healthy nerves and improved blood circulation.
• WATERMELON. Let’s hear it for one of our favorite fruits of the summer season – watermelon! Perfectly named, this delicious, light and refreshing fruit is 91.5 percent water. Not only is it a great way to cool off on a hot day, this juicy melon rivals the tomato in that it is a wonderful source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting antioxidant that’s found in red fruits and veggies. It’s also a great choice for lowering body temperature, regulating blood pressure, improving cardiac function and protecting us from macular degeneration and premature aging.
• STRAWBERRIES. Another summer all-star, strawberries are great for hydration weighing in with a water content of 91 percent. Clearly, all berries are loaded with water, but the strawberry is the winner. Not only is it packed with life supporting H2O, but this fruit contains high levels of the antioxidant ellagic acid and flavonoids like catechin and quercetin, all of which protect our eyes, lower our blood pressure, improve our immune system and boost our brain function.
• GRAPEFRUIT. And, finally we have the king of citrus fruits – the grapefruit. This fruit contains a water content of 90.5 percent and is the most nutritious of the citrus family. One half a grapefruit weighs in at only forty calories, which makes it another great choice for those watching their weight. In addition, this fruit contains high levels of vitamin C, potassium and lycopene. It protects us from colon cancer by aiding in healthy digestion, and the flavonoid naringin is a powerful antioxidant that has important antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that go a long way in protecting our health and improving our immune system.

So, drink your water. But, remember to eat your water as well! Every single one of these fabulous fruits and vegetables are in season right now. And, each one will help you maintain healthy hydration, keep you cool all summer long and protect you from many illnesses, diseases and degenerative conditions.

With that said, thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!