With extreme heat, it is very important to hydrate well. Although it is essential to drink water every day, there are other ways to stay well hydrated: eating foods rich in water, for example.
What is the role of water for our body?
The human body is made up of approximately 60% water. Water is the only essential drink for humans. It plays several roles in your organization:
- Structural role: water participates in the construction of the body. It is found in all liquids such as blood plasma, sweat, saliva, tears, digestive juices, etc. Additionally, the brain is 76% water, the kidneys 81% and the lungs 78%. Fats and bones contain 30 and 25% water respectively.
- Role of solvent and transporter: water dissolves various substances and allows their transport inside each cell but also from one cell to another.
- Metabolic role: water is involved in numerous chemical reactions such as hydrolysis which allows the decomposition of a molecule into two smaller ones.
- Role in thermal regulation: when the body temperature rises too high, the phenomenon of perspiration will help to cool the body by evaporating on the surface of the skin.
- Protective role: water is part of the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid which protects the brain, but also in the amniotic fluid which protects the baby.
Did you know ?
The more muscle your body is made of, the more water it is made of. In itself, a very muscular organism has a higher water percentage than a less muscular organism.
What are your water needs?
The first thing to do to stay well hydrated is to drink 1.5L of water per day. For the more sporty among you, your needs are obviously increased, up to 2 to 3L. People who have difficulty drinking this amount often have a psychological block when imagining an entire bottle to consume. However, 1.5 L is between 6 and 8 glasses of water, i.e. 2 in the morning, 2 at lunchtime, 2 in the afternoon and 2 in the evening. It's easier than it seems! Another way to stay hydrated, especially in the summer, is to eat foods rich in water.
What vegetables are rich in water?
The cucumber.
Cucumber is a vegetable very rich in water, of which it is made up of 96%. In addition, it is low in calories and is a source of fiber. Cucumber has the particularity of stimulating intestinal transit. This refreshing vegetable contains polyphenols, mild anti-oxidants that protect the body's cells against damage caused by free radicals. Cucumber is also a food source rich in copper, necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and collagen and which contributes to the body's defense against free radicals. It is also a source of vitamin K which is involved in blood clotting and is necessary for bone formation.
The radish.
This crunchy vegetable contains 95.9% water. It is also a rich source of antioxidants which protect against certain cancers such as those of the lungs, ovaries and kidneys. Indeed, radish has an active compound: isothiocyanate which, due to its anti-mutagenic properties, plays a role in the prevention of cancer.
The mushroom.
The mushroom is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in water (92.6%) and B vitamins. It is also an excellent source of fiber, phosphorus and potassium. Mushrooms contain starch, which, like fiber, resists the action of digestive enzymes. This starch serves as food for the bacteria present in the colon and therefore helps maintain good intestinal health. This vegetable is a good source of vitamin B2, a vitamin which contributes to the growth and repair of tissues, the production of hormones and the formation of red blood cells. Rich in vitamin D, mushrooms therefore play a role in bone growth by making calcium and phosphorus available.
The carrot.
Carrots contain on average 89.6% water and are rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene activates and prolongs the tan by boosting the synthesis of melanin and thus protecting the skin against the sun's harmful UV rays. Carrots also contain vitamin C and many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.
Vegetables with high water content per 100 grams.
Endive |
95.5g |
Lettuce |
95.3g |
Green asparagus |
92.5g |
Spinach |
91.6g |
Cress |
91.1g |
Celery |
88.6g |
Artichoke |
84.9g |
Parsnip |
80.6g |
Pea |
79.2g |
But |
75.4g |
What fruits are rich in water?
The watermelon.
Watermelon, or watermelon, is a refreshing fruit containing 90.9% water. It contains a pigment, lycopene, which is an antioxidant helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and even osteoporosis. It would also play a role in the prevention of prostate cancer.
The tomato.
Often confused with a vegetable, the tomato is a fruit composed of 94.1% water rich in anti-oxidants. It also has the advantage of being low in calories and a nutritionally interesting source of fiber and vitamin C. Its fiber content helps stimulate intestinal transit but also has an impact on satiety. Its vitamin C content will help reduce oxidation and inflammation in the body.
The strawberry.
With 90.1% water, the strawberry is rich in water but not only that. It is also an important source of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B9, important for pregnant women, and fiber. Strawberries also contain anthocyanins which have a protective effect against the appearance of cancer.
Grapefruit.
Rich in water (89.8%), grapefruit is a refreshing fruit containing vitamin C and anti-oxidants. These have multiple health benefits, particularly in the fight against cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Fruits with high water content per 100 grams.
Lemon |
89g |
Blackberry |
87.7g |
Clementine |
87.6g |
Apricot |
87g |
Plum |
86.6g |
Pear |
85.1g |
Cherry |
83.8g |
Mango |
83g |
Grenade |
80g |
Banana |
75.8g |
In summary.
Remember to hydrate well during the summer and don't forget to eat extra fruits and vegetables. Refreshing and nutritionally good for you, they can only do you good. Good summer !