Confused about how to eat water? Gargi Bansod tells you why it’s better to consume water rich foods than to drink litres of it every day…
According to research, 20% of your daily water intake comes from food. So, if you can’t fulfill the eight glass rule, don’t stress. You can compensate for it by eating foods that have high water content. If you consume one serving of raw fruits or vegetables, you will be able to stay hydrated long enough without drinking water. Eating water has better value than simply drinking it.
Why eat water?
Nutritionist Smruti Gokhale tells us, “Foods with high water content have water soluble vitamins and minerals which are essential for our bodies. Therefore, consumption of these foods provides essential micronutrients along with water. The water content in these foods also aids in maintaining the water balance of our body and normal body functioning.” Some of us cannot handle water efficiently. If we only keep drinking water, there is a possibility that it might float between our cells, ageing us and making us feel fat and sluggish and may also lead to puffy eyes, swollen ankles and a bloated stomach.
However, Smruti warns us, “Along with eating foods with high water content, it is essential to drink water to keep your body hydrated and to flush out toxins from your body.”
Consuming water-rich foods will benefit you, as your body will hold onto water longer and you will also get the additional boost of important antioxidants, fibres and nutrients from them. It will help you stay hydrated and active all day long, as well as give a glow to your skin.
Foods with high water content
Here are a few simple foods which are rich in water content:
Cucumbers: They are made up of 90% water and will keep you feeling hydrated for a long time and are very nutritious as well.
Pomegranates: They are a great source of antioxidants and also prevent your body from damage with 82% of water.
Spinach: This leafy healthy vegetable has a water content of 91%.
Tomatoes: The juiciest vegetable, tomatoes contain 95% water.
Broccoli: This lesser used vegetable is made up of 82% water.
Watermelon: True to its name, this fruit is 95% water.
Beans: One cup of cooked beans equals half a cup of water.
Cherries: They are made up of more than 75% water.
Yogurt: A bowl of yogurt contains 90% water.