7 Naturally Hydrating Foods

Getting adequate hydration each day is easier said than done. But fear not: Hydration can be achieved beyond water consumption and with a diet of foods that nourish and moisturize from the inside out. We chatted with plant-based registered dietitian Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, as well as celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, author of “The Pro-Aging Playbook,” for their take on the most hydrating foods you can find, as well as their top tips for staying hydrated.

Hydrating foods you can enjoy every day

1. Citrus fruits

“If you purchase 100% Florida orange juice, it is about 89% water!” says Gorin. Other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, boast similar hydration levels. “Just make sure you are not taking any medications that would negatively interact with it.”

Citrus fruit lovers will also benefit from an abundance of immune system-supporting properties like vitamin C and flavonoid antioxidants.

2. Cucumbers

Not only is cucumber (made of 95% water!) a hydrating food, but it also contains vitamins and nutrients that can rid the body of excess fluid.

“Cucumbers are water-packed and loaded with vitamin C,” claims Frank.

3. Mangoes

Fibrous and starchy mango may not be the first thing you think of as a hydrating food, but it contains more than 80% water content. Gorin recommends adding a few slices to your oatmeal for double the benefit.

4. Oatmeal

Hearty oatmeal is a comforting breakfast staple and an excellent way to increase your H2O intake.

“To cook oatmeal, you need to add water,” reminds Gorin. Although much of it evaporates when microwaved or prepared on a stove top, runnier oatmeal is still a more hydrating food than a bowl of dry cereal with barely any milk.

“Plus, it provides filling soluble and insoluble fibers, which means that eating oats will help bulk up the weight and size of your stool,” Gorin adds, making it a good choice for those who frequently suffer from diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.

5. Peaches

Stone fruits like peaches are some of the most water-heavy fruits you can find, with levels exceeding 90%. “In addition to that water, you also get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” says Gorin.

6. Soup

It may seem like a no-brainer, but soups made with vegetable or chicken broth can be very hydrating foods.

“I love to recommend broth-based soups such as minestrone or vegetable,” shares Gorin, though she and Frank are quick to point out that many canned or packaged varieties are loaded with sodium, which can cause dehydration of the skin.

7. Tomatoes

Perhaps the most hydrating food on this list is tomatoes, due mostly to the presence of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant that research has shown to protect the skin.

Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.

©2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Read more about staying hydrated on Seniors Guide:

The Importance of Hydrating for Seniors

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