Here are 26 water-rich foods that can help you stay hydrated
Your body is almost two-thirds water, so it is important to stay hydrated.
But while drinking water is important, you can also eat foods high in water content. Water and nutrients from many fruits, vegetables, and grains can help you increase your water intake with the added boost of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and energy.
Here are 26 water-rich foods that can help you stay hydrated.
26 of the most hydrating foods
1. Lettuce
- Contains about 96% water
- Varieties include romaine, iceberg, butter, and red leaf
- Has only 10 calories per cup on average
- High in fiber and contains trace amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, potassium, and vitamins A and K
2. Tomato
- Contains about 95% water
- Come in a wide variety—small cherry tomatoes, beef tomatoes, or on the vine
- Good source of vitamin A, which is necessary for your immune system, skin health, and eye health
- Versatile and go well in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and scrambled eggs
3. Celery
- Contains about 95% water
- High in fiber, potassium, and vitamin K
- Low in calories and beneficial for weight loss
4. Radishes
- Contains about 95% water
- Rich in a wide variety of minerals and vitamins, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins B6 and K.
- May help lower cancer risk according to studies
5. Zucchini
- Contains about 93% water
- Abundant in fiber, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K
- Rich in antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are very important for eye health
6. Spinach
- Contains about 93% water
- Packed with nutrients including potassium, fiber, vitamin E, and lutein, making it one of the best foods for hydration
7. Cauliflower
- Contains about 92%-94% water
- High in fiber and vitamin B
- Rich in choline, which supports metabolism and brain health
8. Bell peppers
- Contains about 92%-94.5% water, depending on the variety (green bell peppers have the highest water content)
- High in fiber, vitamin A, and some alkaloids
- Also contains vitamin C, which benefits your immune health and helps your body absorb iron
9. Watermelon
- Contains about 92% water
- High in fiber and several nutrients, such as vitamins C and A and magnesium
- Low in calories and may aid in weight loss
- Abundant in potent antioxidants, such as lycopene, which can reduce oxidative damage that is linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
10. Grapefruit
- Contains about 91% water
- High in magnesium, potassium, vitamins C and B1, and beta-carotene, which can help lower cholesterol and boost immunity
11. Strawberries
- Contains about 91% water
- High in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and manganese
12. Skim milk
- Contains about 91% water
- Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, potassium, and magnesium
- Rich in electrolytes and protein which can rehydrate the body as well as provide essential amino acids
13. Star fruit
- Contains about 91% water
- Rich in fiber and vitamin C
14. Cantaloupe
- Contains more than 90% water
- Rich in vitamin A, which can boost your immune health and protect against infection
15. Peaches
- Contains about 90% water
- Has only about 60 calories
- High in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamins A, B, and C
16. Jicama
- Contains about 90% water
- Good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber
17. Mushrooms
- Contains about 80%-90% water
- High in protein and have immune-boosting and cholesterol-lowering properties
18. Blackberries
- Contains about 88% water
- High in fiber and vitamins C and K
- Makes hydrating snack, especially when combined with plain yogurt or blended into a smoothie
19. Carrots
- Contains about 88% water
- High in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C and beta-carotene
- Contains vitamin B and lutein, both of which are beneficial to the eyes
20. Papaya
- Contains about 88% water
- High in antioxidants that can prevent cholesterol from oxidizing, making them good for heart health
- Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, which protects skin health and delay signs of aging
21. Pineapple
- Contains about 87% water
- Rich source of digestive enzymes such as bromelain
- Contains significant amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which support the health of the skin, eyes, heart, and brain
- Can be used fresh or frozen to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of smoothies, sorbets, and fruit salads
22. Oranges
- Contains about 86% water
- High in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects your muscles, bones, tendons, arteries, and skin and aids in the proper functioning of your immune and nervous systems
23. Brussel sprouts
- Contains about 86% water
- High in folic acid (folate), which is required to produce red blood cells and for healthy fetal development during pregnancy; also alleviates fatigue and boosts the immune system
24. Apples
- Contains about 85% water
- Nutrient-dense and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other disease-fighting phytochemicals
25. Mangoes
- Contains about 83% water
- Rich in nutrients that promote eye and digestive health
- High in fiber and quite satiating
26. Cottage cheese
- Contains about 80% water
- High in protein and satiating
- Rich in calcium and magnesium, which aid in bone health
- Contains selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin B complex
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Medically Reviewed on 9/1/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image
Foods High in Water. https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-water
25 water-rich foods to help you stay hydrated this summer. https://utswmed.org/medblog/hydrating-healthy-foods/
Dehydrated? These 7 Foods Will Satisfy Your Thirst and Hunger. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydrated-these-7-foods-will-satisfy-your-thirst-and-hunger/
15 foods that help you stay hydrated. https://connect.uclahealth.org/2022/06/17/15-food-that-help-you-stay-hydrated/
Eat (and Drink) Your Way to Hydration. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/07/eat-your-way-to-hydration
Foods High in Water. https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-water
25 water-rich foods to help you stay hydrated this summer. https://utswmed.org/medblog/hydrating-healthy-foods/
Dehydrated? These 7 Foods Will Satisfy Your Thirst and Hunger. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydrated-these-7-foods-will-satisfy-your-thirst-and-hunger/
15 foods that help you stay hydrated. https://connect.uclahealth.org/2022/06/17/15-food-that-help-you-stay-hydrated/
Eat (and Drink) Your Way to Hydration. https://selecthealth.org/blog/2020/07/eat-your-way-to-hydration
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