Water is an important substance, not just to the planet but also to our bodies. Because we are made of 60 percent water, we need H2O to survive. When we think of hydration, water comes to mind. However, remaining hydrated isn’t restricted to drinking water. In fact, there are foods that are rich in precious H2O.
Of course, when you think of water-rich foods, you likely think of the obvious: watermelon, oranges, and grapes (duh). However, there are other foods that you likely didn’t know contain a lot of water.
Cottage Cheese
Surprisingly, cottage cheese contains 80 percent water. It may not seem watery like a watermelon, but this cheese is great for increasing water intake.
However, not only does it contain water, but it is also rich in protein. The combination of water and protein make this a filling snack, perfect for someone who doesn’t want to consume merely empty calories. Cottage cheese is also packed with vitamins and nutrients, including phosphorus, calcium, selenium, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Cottage cheese is great for metabolism and healthy bones.
Here’s a sweet cottage cheese dish: sandwich it in french toast and fill it with strawberries and blueberries. Then top it with syrup.
Plain Yogurt
Plain yogurt has 88 percent water. It contains calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Unfortunately, only plain yogurt is rich in water. Flavored or sweetened yogurt often have sugar, which dehydrates the body.
If you want to include plain yogurt into your diet, have it for breakfast with bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. If the tart flavor of plain yogurt is too displeasing to you, you can add a drop or two (or three, if you really want to treat yourself) of raw honey.
Radishes
If you want to consume foods that have a little more water, then try radishes, which are 95.3 percent water, a bigger percentage than the aforementioned cottage cheese and plain yogurt.
Radishes are great additions to your fresh spring or summer salads, adding a hint of spice, a dash of sweetness, and a whole lot of vibrant color. Not only is it delicious and pleasing to the eye, it is also healthy, containing antioxidants such as catechin, which are often found in green tea.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower, too, is among the foods that contain a hefty amount of water, 92.1 percent, to be exact. Not only is this vegetable hydrating, it is also packed with vitamins and phytonutrients that have shown to lower cholesterol.
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile vegetables mother nature has ever gifted to the earth. It has been used as a meat alternative for vegan cuisine and a pizza crust replacement for gluten-free dishes. It has been served steamed, sauteed, roasted, and deep fried. There are so many ways to cook cauliflower, but here’s an exotic and exciting dish that may interest you: monkfish and cauliflower chowder.
Spinach
Spinach may look like it doesn’t contain much, when in fact it is made up of 91.4 percent water. Not only that, it is also rich in potassium, fiber, folate, and vitamin E.
This leafy green is best served fresh in mustard dressing (or whichever one appeals to your taste buds), topped with tangerines, mushrooms, and red bell peppers. You can also squeeze it inside sandwiches to add a little freshness.
Star Fruit
Although this fruit is native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, you can find it in the produce section of a few grocery stores, especially ones that carry foreign produce. The fruit gets its name from it shape, which, once cut, appears as a star. The fruit is sweet and light when ripe and a little tart when it’s not quite ripe.
This juicy fruit is rich in antioxidants and best eaten raw.
Lettuce
Crispy lettuce contains 96 percent water and fiber, folate, vitamin K, and vitamin A. This vegetable is especially attractive to those wanting to shed a few pounds as it is low in calories.
Lettuce can be enjoyed in many ways, including as the main attraction to your salad, a fresh addition to your sandwich, and even as a healthier alternative to your tortillas and hamburger buns.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers contain 90 percent water, and it is rich in fiber, vitamin B, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Bonus perk: it is low in calories.
Bell peppers can be great additions to your summer salads and sandwiches. You can also served them baked and stuffed with rice, chicken, and cheese. Yum.
Zucchini
Zucchinis are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and water (94 percent). There are so many ways to make zucchinis a delicious part of your diet. You can create zucchini bread. If you want something more filling, you can create thin spirals out of them and make zucchini pasta.
Celery
It’s no surprise that celery is rich in water. Take one bite, and you’ll find this vegetable to be crisp and refreshing. You can put celery in soup, eat it raw with peanut butter and raisins, add it to your macaroni salad, and place it in your turkey sandwiches.
Cabbage
Cabbage is another one of those leafy greens that are crisp and refreshing, adding freshness to any meal. Not only is this vegetable made up of 92 percent water, but it is also high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, glucosinolates, and antioxidant.
You can add this vegetable to your beef stew, turn it into coleslaw, and include it in your tacos–just don’t forget to sprinkle in cheese and salsa for that one.
Water is important, so don’t forget to stay hydrated, whether that’s drinking plenty of h2 water, plain water, or eating one of these water-rich foods.
