25 Most Hydrating Natural Foods Ralph Teller, Ironman Triathlete

Natural foods high in water content, electrolytes, minerals and natural sugars are more hydrating than just water

Scientists at the University of Aberdeen, England found the combination of salts, minerals and natural sugars found in high water content fruits and vegetables can actually hydrate people more effectively than just water or sports drinks.

As water is quickly absorbed into the body, nutrients in natural foods high in water content are quickly absorbed with it.

Proper hydration is necessary for good health and essential to peak athletic performance.

Here is a list of 25 natural foods high in water and nutrient content:

Milk. Milk is 87% water. Raw (unpasteurized) milk is the most nutritious natural food on the planet. See Raw Milk Nutrient Content

Zucchini. Zucchini is 95% water by weight and also an excellent source of folate, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Cantaloupe. Cantaloupe is 90% water and provides 100% of Vitamin A daily requirement.

Watermelon. Watermelon is 92 percent water content and has the electrolytes calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.

Bell Peppers. Colorful bell peppers are 92 percent water and are rich sources of potassium, vitamin C, thiamine, vitamin B6, beta carotene and folic acid.

Pears. Pears are high in water and nutrient content and contains 6 grams of dietary fiber, or 24 percent of the daily recommended value.

Carrots. Carrots are 87% water and very high in beta-carotene.

Apples and Applesauce. Apples and Applesauce are high in water and are linked to lower cholesterol levels, weight loss and preventing a host of chronic health woes: cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes. Read the label and buy applesauce with no added sugar or high fructose corn syrup!

Grapefruit. Grapefruit is high in water content and the nutrient combination of grapefruit helps lower insulin levels and control appetite and weight gain.

Broccoli. Broccoli is 91% water and rich in vitamin C, fiber and calcium.

Oranges. Oranges are 87% water and rich in vitamin C.

Celery. Celery is 96% water and also provides a combination of mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins that research shows may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.

Blueberries. Blueberries are rich in water, fiber and nutrients.

Romaine Lettuce. Romaine lettuce is high in water content and contains 3 times more folate, 6 times more vitamin C and 8 times the beta-carotene than regular lettuce.

Mangoes. Mangoes are high in water, vitamins A, B6 and C.

Lettuce. Lettuce is 94% water.

Pineapple. Pineapple is not only high in water content, but is packed with bromelain, a mixture of compounds with potent anti-inflammatory powers.

Yogurt. Yes, Yogurt is high in water content and in the electrolytes sodium and potassium, in addition to protein and calcium.

Tomatoes. Tomatoes are 95% water and rich in nutrients.

Kiwis. Kiwis are high in water content and very high in vitamin C.

Cuccumbers. Cuccumbers are very high in water content.

Eggplant. Eggplant is high in water content and fiber, yet low in calories.

Grapes. Grapes are very high in water content and nutrients, including resveratrol, an antioxidant shown to reduce risk for heart disease.

Spinach. Spinach is not only high in water content, but also is a good source of iron, protein and vitamins A and C.

Rasberries. Rasberries are high in water content and rich in nutrients and fiber.

Strawberries. Strawberries are 92% water and its nurtients help maintain higher blood levels of the B vitamin folate, which helps keep arteries clear.

More about Ralph Teller. See Ralph's 1Vigor Log Calendar.