A typical summer disorder, dehydration occurs when the fluid leaves your body as sweat and is not replaced. Children and older adults are more susceptible to dehydration. Dizziness or lightheadedness, dry mouth, lips and eyes, headache, and fatigue are the common signs of mild dehydration. To preventing dehydration in summer, drink lot of fluids and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables that have a high fluid content. Listed below are 8 top summer foods that can prevent dehydration and keep you healthy:
- Watermelon – This fruit has a high water content and can keep the you cool and hydrated, and regulate body temperature. It also contains lycopene, which protects the skin cells from sun damage. When coupled with exercise, watermelon may also help with weight loss as they have a low calorie density because of their water content.
- Corn – Corn is high in carbohydrates and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also relatively low in protein and fat, making it a great summer side dish or snack. Corn has high levels of antioxidants-lutein and zeaxanthin that act as natural sunglasses, helping to form macular pigment that filters out some of the sun’s damaging rays.
- Tomatoes – Eating tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables can offer extra protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Tomato contains more lycopene – the carotenoid that makes it red – and may help protect skin from sunburn.
- Green Tea – Drinking green tea (hot or iced) is a great way to stay hydrated. Loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients, green tea provides significant sun protection for the skin.
- Blueberries – Blueberries are high in fiber and low in sugar and calories. The antioxidants in berries help protect against muscle fatigue by mopping up the additional free radicals that the muscles produce during exercise. Moreover, it’s unique flavor makes this fruit a treat to be savored. Enjoy blueberries in smoothies, with yogurt and granola, or simply eat them on their own.
- Yogurt – Yogurt has a protein that satisfies your growling tummy. As an added benefit, yogurt also contains probiotics, which will keep your digestive system healthy.
- Green Leafy Salads – One of the healthiest foods, green-leafy vegetables and fruits are full of carotenoids, antioxidants, and folate (a nutrient that is especially valuable for pregnant women). It also protects the skin from sun damage. Healthy green salads also decrease sensitivity to UV light and repair dry skin, thereby strengthening the skin’s defenses against damaging rays.
- Fresh Juice – Freshly squeezed juice is a typical ingredient of summer breakfasts. Most fruits available during the summer season work brilliantly as juice. Whether it is the citrus taste from oranges or limes or the sugary taste of watermelons, there is nothing more refreshing than a chilled glass of freshly squeezed juice.
Including these foods in your daily diet will keep you stay hydrated and cool in the warm weather. Also plenty of fluids, especially water, when you spend time outdoors.
