Quench your thirst with these hydrating foods

The only way to beat the horrid heat is by keeping yourself hydrated. Water, tea, coffee, fresh fruit juice and even food, just keep them coming. Because we all know what happens if we don't get enough water, don't we?

Our body is made up of about 60 percent water which is why it's central to our body's day-to-day functioning. When we sweat, we lose essential salts like sodium, potassium and chloride, which are responsible for the body's cell-to-cell communication and muscle operation. And not drinking enough water could cause muscle cramps, droopy skin, the inability to focus, dizziness, fatigue and even mood swings.(What happens when you don't drink enough water?)

As the temperature spikes, so does your body's need for water. And to prevent yourself from being dehydrated you need to focus a bit more on what you drink or in this case, eat. Experts suggest that food is also a good source of water. According to fitness expert and nutritionist Neeraj Mehta, "One should drink plenty of water in the summers. But solid food also provides a surprising amount of water which can balance water level in your body."

Here's a list of foods you should be sure to throw into your shopping cart. They'll keep you feeling hydrated, energized and give you great, glowing and healthy skin.

1. Lettuce - Lettuce probably has the highest water content, close to 95 percent! It's also rich in protein, is devoid of fat and is low on calories. In addition to all of that, it's got Omega 3, a whole lot of fiber and calcium. The other vegetables that come close to this kind of water content are cucumbers. How do you think they came up with the phrase, 'cool as a cucumber'? No matter what the temperature is outside, the temperature of the cucumber remains low because of its high water content.

In India, you'll usually find iceberg lettuce in big bundles that are light green, sometimes even fluorescent in colour. They can come as cheap as Rs.20 for a bundle if you buy them from a wholesale market, but be sure to consume them within 2 days of purchase as they tend to go bad quickly. Especially in the summer heat.

2. Broccoli - It's sweet, it's juicy and it's packed with almost 89 percent water content. Broccoli is one of those vegetables that's always been considered a superfood and for good reason. It can boost your immune system, prevent cancer, prevent osteoarthritis, promote heart health and is very good for your eyes. It's also extremely rich in vitamin C which builds collagen. This helps heal wounds faster. Broccoli also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight summer allergies.

3. Apple - We know apples are rich in Vitamin C, A and E. They're also rich in phytonutrients that curb damage caused by free radicals and thereby prevent heart disease and diabetes. They're also part of a range of teeth whitening fruits. But did you also know that an apple is made of 86 percent water? It's high water content helps you stay healthy, energized and also lowers cholesterol.

4. Yogurt - Yogurt is creamy, silky, simple, made with live micro-organisms called 'pro-biotic', and packed with a string of health properties. It supports your immune system, helps with stomach acidity, constipation, lowers fat content and protects your body from infections. It's also one of the best things to have in the summer because it comes straight from the fridge and has around 85 percent water content. Lastly, yogurt is a great source of protein, vitamin B, and calcium.

5. Rice - This one is probably the most unusual food on this list. But a very important one. Rice is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and fibre. Cooked rice has about 70 percent water and helps replenish the water lost from your body. And if you think eating too much white rice will make you fat, then switch to brown rice or red rice, both of which are equally delicious.