Drinking enough water can be difficult at any time of the year, but it is an especially important task in the summer. Because water makes up more than half of your body weight and is lost through regular activities such as breathing, eating and sweating – which we tend to do more of in summer – it is crucial that we do everything we can to prevent dehydration. After all, sufficient water (hydration) is necessary to maintain various body functions, including digestion, circulation and temperature regulation. General Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Salim Balin gave information about the subject.
While increasing your water intake is a great starting point, we can regulate our water needs by prioritizing certain foods during the summer months. One way to do this is to increase your intake of superfoods that are high in water. So instead of taking a giant water bottle with you everywhere you go, try more of these delicious superfoods to fight thirst and stay hydrated all summer long. Here are the superfoods for summer
1-CUCUMBER
Cucumbers are an excellent choice for staying hydrated due to their 95% water content. We can consume it directly with natural rock and sea salt or eat it in salads.
2-TOMATO
About 94% water, tomatoes are a juicy food rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with numerous health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Research has even shown that lycopene from tomatoes can protect your skin from the sun! They can be consumed in salads and directly.
3-STRAWBERRY
Strawberries, abundant in summer, contain 91% water and are great for snacking on their own. These wonderful berries are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can support collagen production and overall skin health.
4-PUMPKIN
Zucchini is in full season at this time of year and contains 94% water. It can be consumed as a pot dish or baked in the oven or integrated into other products.
5-BELLS
Not only is it a delicious treat, it’s also a water powerhouse, containing around 92% water. It is also full of vitamins A and C and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, as well as replacing what you lose by sweating in the summer heat. My recommendation is to enjoy the white part of the watermelon rind. Especially the white parts close to the rind contain more citrulline. These amino acids regulate blood flow and play a role in improving cardiovascular health.
6-HERBAL TEAS
In addition to water, herbal teas offer a wide range of additional health benefits. Just make sure to opt for caffeine-free herbal teas that won’t dehydrate you, such as hibiscus, mint and chamomile, which you can drink iced on the hottest summer days.
7-NATURAL MINERAL WATERS
Mineral waters obtained from natural sources; With the amount of minerals and water they contain, they have an important place for the fluid-electrolyte balance for the summer months. Water and minerals have a very important place to protect our health and maintain our high energy in intense summer heat.