Come summers, and the scorching heat has you sweating over the slightest of physical activity. The average person loses about 3- 4 litres (about 10-15 cups) of fluid a day in sweat, urine, exhaled air and bowel movement, which causes severe dehydration. We need to replenish the water so lost.
We all know drinking water and eating watermelons will remedy the situation, but the former alternative is too mainstream, and the latter is too messy. And with exams just round the corner, ain’t nobody got time for that.
Here we bring you five foods that aren’t really known for their water content, but their efficacy in beating the heat is indisputable. Read on, and go get ’em the next time you visit the grocery store.
1. Apples
Photo by Yatin Arora
They are so common and familiar, they are almost always overlooked. With 86% water content, we think that the age-old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” might just turn out to be true.
2. Lettuce
Photo by Paavani Jain
At 95% water content, and a whole list of nutritional benefits, it can be consumed in soups, sandwiches, wraps or salads. Why not just order a lettuce-rich sub from Subway on a lazy study night?
3. Rice
Photo by Sabhyata Badhwar
This cereal grain might be your staple diet, and in its cooked form it has 70% water content. A great source of energy, it is known to have a plethora of other benefits. It helps reduce obesity, regulated blood pressure, serves as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
4. Broccoli
Photo by Paavani HJain
This green plant of the cabbage family which resembles the shape of a tree boasts of 89% water content. And if its taste isn’t incentive enough, it helps in maintaining a healthy, fiber-rich diet too. Did you know it is an essential part of the fat reduction process? Well, now you do.
5. Curd/ Yogurt
Photo by Sabhyata Badhwar
The protein in yogurt is a magical solution to all your summertime sadness. It helps increase the amount of water absorbed by the intestines, improving hydration. It’s a bonus if you drink water along with it. Being loaded with proteins, vitamins and just the right amount of carbohydrates, yogurt is your best friend in the heat.
Look out for these foods and beverages to survive the heat: