It’s no secret that drinking water is great for your health. Our bodies are made up of 60% water, so staying hydrated helps your system to distribute healthy nutrients, eliminate waste, keeps your muscles moving, and it’s even great for your teeth.

Incorporating more water into your diet is one of the best things you can do for your body and every sip counts. If drinking eight glasses of water per day seems like a daunting task, fear not. Roughly 20% of our daily H2O intake comes from solid foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

Quench your thirst and keep your body hydrated with these 10 foods, all of which contain at least 85% water by weight.

Cucumber

Cucumbers have an impressive amount of water content. Cucumbers contain about 95% of water, and they’re packed with potassium, which may help prevent stroke. Additionally, cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory substance called fisetin, which promotes brain health. Whether you prefer yours tossed in a salad, paired with tomatoes, or you like to snack on them by themselves, cucumbers are ideal for keeping your body hydrated and healthy.

Radishes

With a water content of 95%, radishes rank high on the list of foods that help to keep your body hydrated. These refreshing root vegetables make for a great staple in your salads because they provide a burst of spicy-sweet flavor and color. Even more importantly, they’re filled with antioxidants.

Watermelon

It’s commonly known that watermelon is full of water. This juicy melon is also among the richest lycopene sources, a cancer-fighting antioxidant found in red fruits and vegetables. Watermelon contains more lycopene than raw tomatoes, making it a powerful and hydrating snack option.

Celery

Like all high water foods, celery has very few calories, making it an excellent snack for anyone watching their waistline. At just 6 calories per stalk, celery is a one-two punch of fiber and water that keeps you full and curb your appetite. Thanks to its high water content, celery neutralizes stomach acid, which can be an excellent natural remedy for heartburn and acid reflex.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is packed with vitamins and phytonutrients that have been shown to help lower cholesterol and fight cancer. With a water content of 92%, snacking on cauliflower is another excellent way to meet your daily hydration goals.

Bell Peppers

Peppers of all shades have a high water content; however, green peppers lead the pack in hydration content. Green peppers also contain just as many antioxidants as their slightly sweeter siblings. Peppers make for a great snack at any time of the day.

Carrots

Carrots are made of 90% water and are high in fiber. Carrots are also great for your vision because they help your eyes glisten by supporting the moisture and mucous membranes that help distinguish between night and day. Easily add more carrots into your diet by adding them to salads, putting them out for a snack, or adding them into a soup or stew.

Potatoes

Containing about 80% water, potatoes are a great potassium source, a key mineral in maintaining healthy blood pressure. That being said, not all forms of potatoes are created equal. Waxy varieties, such as red-skinned potatoes, tend to have a higher water content than other varieties like russets.

Broccoli

From a nutritional standpoint, broccoli is one of the most beneficial vegetables you can eat. This nutritional powerhouse provides disease protective phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. With its 91% water content, broccoli is a great way to sneak some extra hydration into your day.

Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg lettuce may not be packing a nutritional punch, but it has the highest of any lettuce when it comes to water content. Pile iceberg lettuce onto a sandwich or use it as a bed for a healthy chicken salad recipe. Iceberg is also great as a tortilla or bread alternative for wrapping tacos and burgers.

Improving Your Smile One Bite at a Time

When making purposeful attempts to stay hydrated, remember that incorporating these water-rich fruits and vegetables can contribute to your daily water intake. Improving your smile can be easy, fun, and delicious with these healthy foods.

For more ways you can improve your oral health and keep your body hydrated, visit Hinsdale Dentistry for a bi-annual exam.