Summer is almost here and that means staying hydrated and cool is your top priority. In addition to drinking adequate water and other hydrating liquids (not sodas), adding fruits to your daily diet is a great way to ensure that your body receives enough water this summer.
So here are some fruits that taste awesome and will keep you hydrated:
1 . Watermelon
A staple of summer, this perennial fruit is the best way to beat the heat, when temperatures rise. A Watermelon is made of 92% water; the name itself suggests that it’s a fruit which help hydrate you. The balance 8% is fiber, protein, vitamins and other essential minerals. Watermelon not only has many health benefits such as maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar levels, but also helps hydrate the body and provide energy almost instantaneously.
Ways To Have
Dice half a watermelon, de-seed if possible. Mix 2 spoons extra virgin olive oil, juice of half a lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Add a handful of chopped mint leaves to this mix and dress the watermelon with it. Crumble some feta cheese as garnish and serve chilled.
2 . Starfruit
A childhood indulgence, the starfruit (Kamrakh) both sweet and tart is actually 91% water. Often used as a garnish, the star fruit is very tasty by itself and can be added to your daily sides as healthy, flavorful and unique way to hydrate. Star fruit is packed with anti-oxidants that help keep the heart healthy. A word of caution, star fruit is not recommended for those with kidney problems due to its high levels of oxalic acid.
Ways To Have
Chop a few star fruits, add salt and red chili powder to season, and add a pinch of brown sugar if the berries are really sour. Serve immediately as a side to a simple meal.
3 . Pineapple
A tropical fruit which is almost 87% water, and is packed with Vitamins B, C, fiber, copper, and manganese. Pineapple has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties as well as helps keeps eyes healthy.
Ways To Have
Cube a pineapple, add chopped coriander, lemon juice, salt, red chili powder, pepper, a spoon of extra virgin olive oil and toss for a healthy hydrating salad.
4 . Pomelo
Grapefruit has a sweeter older cousin called the pomelo (chakotara), which has almost the same health benefits of the grapefruit without the tarty bitterness of a grapefruit. A pomelo is almost 90% water and helps reduce weight, reduce bad cholesterol, and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Ways To Have
Segment half a pomelo into bite sized pieces. Dissolve 2 spoons of brown sugar in a spoon of water; add a spoon of olive oil, finely chopped chilies, lemon juice, salt, pepper, coriander to make a dressing. Mix this with the pomelo segments and garnish with crushed roasted peanuts for a healthy refreshing salad.