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Beat the heat

Stay hydrated with fruit

As Summer approaches, one important thing to remember is to stay hydrated.

It’s easy to forget to drink water, especially during all the fun activities and events that come with Summer. It can also be cumbersome to carry around water bottles or jugs to the beach, parks, or other popular summertime destinations.

One great alternative solution to staying hydrated is to add more fruits to your diet!

Dehydration can lead to problems like fatigue, headaches, cramps, and skin problems.

Consuming more fruits can fight off dehydration in a simple and delicious way.

Watermelon is one of the best fruits for hydration. With a water content of 92%, two cups of watermelon can give you the equivalent of an eight-ounce glass of water. Watermelons are also full of antioxidants, which can aid in preventing heart disease.

Strawberries are another great option for fruit hydration. Strawberries are 91% water. They can also help reduce inflammation.

Cantaloupe, peaches, and oranges all have high water contents as well. There are several ways to consume these water-filled fruits.

If you get bored with eating the fruit itself, try blending them into smoothies, adding them to wraps or salads, or mixing them all together for a refreshing fruit salad.

Eating more fruit has a variety of benefits other than hydration.

Watermelon is very low in calories, and makes for a great weight-loss snack. Strawberries are packed with fiber and vitamins such as Vitamin C, folate, and manganese. They can also help fight off diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Cantaloupe’s high Vitamin-A content has been shown to give a boost to immune health and add protection against infections. Oranges can even help prevent kidney stones. The citric acid in oranges and other citrus fruits help to rid the body of calcium oxalate, the compound responsible for forming kidney stones.

If you’re not a fruit-lover, there are also plenty of vegetables that can help hydrate you during the Keweenaw’s hot months.

Cucumbers are almost entirely water, and can be added to salads, sandwiches, stir fries, and many more simple dishes.

Lettuce is 96% water, and contains vitamins that can help with keeping bones strong and immune systems healthy.

Zucchini is another great option, plus it’s packed with Vitamin C. Add zucchini to soups, salads, or slice it into thin strips to make veggie noodles, dubbed ‘zoodles’.

One serving of celery can provide four ounces of water. It’s delicious with dips like hummus or Greek yogurt.

Cabbage is one of the best hydrating veggies. Its 92% water content comes with benefits like low calories, high fiber, and Vitamins C and K. One easy way to incorporate cabbage into your diet is with sauerkraut, the fermented form of cabbage. Sauerkraut contains bacteria that’s great for your gut, something your tummy will definitely need after those tasty summer treats.

It’s delicious on hot dogs and burgers, so make sure you grab a jar before heading to your next cookout.

No matter how you’re celebrating the summer, remember to stay hydrated, healthy, and happy.

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