Four Hydrating Fruits to Try This Summer

Summer is finally here, and that means hot days, relaxing at the beach, and taking in the sun. The only problem is that Summer activities like lounging on the sand can cause dehydration, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and increased heart rate, to name a few. In other words, staying hydrated is crucial to your health.

The good news is you aren’t just stuck sipping on water. Summer fruits can be a great source of major hydration, plus a refreshing snack. Fruits with the highest water content are linked to hydration benefits, according to research published in Nutrients and Nutrition Reviews. These are the best hydrating Summer fruits to boost your H2O intake.

[Note: It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, as some fruits are contraindicated with some conditions and when taking certain medications.]

Hydrating Summer Fruits

Watermelon

The name pretty much gives it away, since it has “water” in it! In fact, watermelon is actually 92 percent water. A study published in Nutrients found that thanks to its high water content and unique blend of nutritional components, watermelon was a natural whole food source for hydration and nutrition for athletes while they exercised. The Summer staple is also packed with electrolytes, which are key to balancing the amount of water in your body as well as your pH level. Plus, watermelon is chock-full of the antioxidant lycopene, which is known for reducing the risk of several cancers and heart disease; vitamin A for healthy skin; potassium for water balance; and vitamin B6 to boost the immune system.

Grapefruit

With about 88 percent of its weight coming from its water content, grapefruit is a potent hydrator — but that’s not its only perk. Research published in Food & Nutrition Research found that people who ate grapefruit regularly had higher intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, dietary fiber, and a healthier diet quality overall. Plus, a study published in Nutrition & Metabolism revealed that grapefruit is linked to major weight loss. Just half of a grapefruit delivers 120 percent of your daily needs of vitamin C, and it can also slash cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

Strawberries

Not only do strawberries keep your body hydrated, they’re so potent that they can also help keep skin moisturized, according to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Consisting of about 91 percent water, chowing down on the sweet treat will boost your body’s water intake. Need a few more reasons to add them to your smoothie? Eating strawberries on a regular basis has been linked to lowering inflammation, which helps guard you against heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. They also deliver loads of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as manganese, folate, and vitamin C.

Cantaloupe

With water making up over 90 percent of its weight, cantaloupe brings on the H2O big time — just one cup gives you more than half a cup of water, to be precise! You’ll also get about two grams of fiber from that serving, which will help keep you full, as well as 120 percent of your daily need of vitamin A, which will improve immunity. It also has potassium and vitamin C to help heart health, beta-carotene to reduce the risk for some cancers, and the nutrient choline, which helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory.

If you’ve loaded up your plate with these hydrating fruits, but your mouth is still feeling dry, try Biotene rinse for immediate, soothing relief.