Do you absolutely detest drinking water and need other ways to help hydrate? Hoping there are some hydrating foods you enjoy for alternative hydration. You’re not alone. There was a time in my life when I survived on soda as my beverage choice. It led to weight gain and issues from being dehydrated, including severe itchiness and increased skin sensitivity.
Why Is Hydration Important?
News Medical Life Science Hydration states, “Hydration plays several important roles, particularly for neurological function (such as mood and cognitive function), gastrointestinal and renal function, body weight and composition, and skin health.”
You can appreciate the reality that you need to hydrate yourself, regardless of whether you like drinking water. Fortunately, you can start eating your water with hydrating foods.
What Are the Most Hydrating Foods?
If you came here hoping for steak or bacon to top the list, I’m sorry to disappoint you. The most hydrating foods are these water-dense fruits and vegetables.
1. Cucumber
Water Content: 96%.
Cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods on the planet. They’re delicious cut up with hummus, tossed in a salad, or freshly juiced with ginger and lime. You can also simply add cucumber slices to a glass of water.
2. Iceberg Lettuce
Water Content: 96%.
While iceberg lettuce holds no nutritional value, it is a water-dense food that helps hydrate the body. It’s the perfect base for salads or as an alternative to sandwich bread, hamburger buns, or tortillas. Romaine lettuce contains 94% water.
3. Radish
Water Content: 95%.
Radishes are cruciferous vegetables with a 95% water content that is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. They can be eaten whole raw, chopped on salads, braised, roasted, or pickled.
4. Celery
Water Content: 95%.
Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie, hydrating vegetable that can be enjoyed raw with peanut butter, cut up in stir-fries and soups, or juiced with various other veggies and fruit.
5. Watercress
Water Content: 95%.
Watercress (sometimes called yellow cress or cress) is a cruciferous vegetable that can be served in soups, salads, smoothies, and sandwiches. It has a peppery taste and high water content.
6. Zucchini
Water Content: 94%.
Zucchini is a summer squash rich in water and antioxidants. It’s delicious sauteed, grilled, stir-fried, baked, or pureed in soups. Zucchini is also used for zoodles, a fabulous pasta substitute.
7. Tomato
Water Content: 94%.
Tomatoes are sweet and juicy and contain antioxidants and nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C. With over 94% water composition, tomatoes are one of the most hydrating foods you can add to your diet.
8. Spinach
Water Content: 93%.
Spinach is a water-dense food that contains vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, and potassium. It can be enjoyed in salads, smoothies, or your favorite curries and pasta dishes.
9. Strawberry
Water Content: 92%.
Strawberries are the most hydrating berries, with a 94% water content, while blackberries contain 88%. Both are delicious by themselves, tossed into salads, added to smoothies, or juiced for their health benefits.
10. Eggplant
Water Content: 92%.
Did you know that eggplant is rich in polyphenols, a natural plant chemical that may help cells process sugar better if you have diabetes? Eggplant is delicious oven-roasted, grilled, sauteed, or added to curry.
11. Bell Pepper
Water Content: 92%.
Bell peppers are water-dense vegetables that are a great source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. This superfood can be served raw with a dip, sauteed, or emulsified into a tasty spaghetti sauce.
12. Watermelon
Water Content: 92%.
Unsurprisingly, watermelon is one of the most water-dense fruits on the list. However, did you know it’s also a lower-sugar option? Watermelon is terrific when served cut up or juiced with cucumber and mint.
13. Broccoli
Water Content: 92%.
Broccoli is a high-water-content cruciferous vegetable packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K, fiber, potassium, and iron. It can be served raw, stir-fried, baked, or smashed with fresh herbs and seasonings.
14. Cauliflower
Water Content: 92%.
Cauliflower is another high-water-content cruciferous vegetable with nutrients, including vitamins C and K and folate. It can be enjoyed raw, grilled, or riced.
15. Asparagus
Water Content: 92%.
Asparagus is high in antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, glutathione, and dietary fiber. It’s delicious with freshly squeezed lemon and garlic.
16. Grapefruit
Water Content: 91%.
Did you know that a medium grapefruit provides you with your daily dose of vitamin C? They also contain vitamin A, folate, and potassium. However, they do interfere with many medications, including blood pressure and cholesterol meds.
17. Melon
Water Content: 90%.
Cantaloupe and Honeydew are melons that pack a high water content and nutritional punch. Cantaloupe contains vitamins A and C, folate, and potassium, while Honeydew contains vitamin B6, fiber, and folate.
18. Peach
Water Content: 89%.
Peaches are one of the more hydrating fruits and are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K. They are delicious in full form or freshly juiced with strawberries.
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Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and Jesus.