On my most visit to the MLK Health Center & Pharmacy, I spoke about foods that help keep us hydrated through the warmer months and protect us from sun damage.
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause numerous health conditions including fatigue, headaches, skin issues, muscle cramps, low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Over time, continued dehydration can even lead to more serious conditions such as organ failure.
Luckily, for those overwhelmed with how to keep properly hydrated, there are many healthy foods that can add water to our diet.
In addition to this, there are also many foods that aid in protecting our skin from sun damage (some on the following list play double duty!)
The following is a list I shared with the folks at the MLK Center:
20 Summer Foods to Help You Stay Hydrated & Protect Against Sun Damage
1. Watermelon & Canteloupe: (90% Water) Low Calorie, Vitamin C & A, Lycopene.
2. Strawberries: (91% Water) Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Reduces Inflammation.
3. Peaches: (89% Water)Rich in Vitamins A, B & C, Potassium, Fiber, Antioxidants.
4. Citrus Fruit: (88% Water) Antioxidants, Vitamin C, Immune Boosting.
5. Cucumber: (95% Water) Extremely Hydrating, Low Calorie, Vitamin K, Magnesium.
6. Leafy Greens: (92%+ Water) Rich in Vitamins & Minerals, Antioxidants, Fiber.
7. Zucchini: (94% Water) Vitamin C, Fiber, Immune Boosting.
8. Celery: (95% Water) Hydrating, Low Calorie, Vitamin K, Fiber, Potassium.
9. Tomatoes: High in Lycopene (processed tomatoes even more…tomato paste etc).
10. Bell Peppers: (92% Water) Vitamin Rich, Antioxidants, Fiber.
11. Cauliflower: (92% Water) Vitamin rich, including Choline Which Helps Brain Function.
12. Carrots & Sweet Potatoes: Beta Carotene, Which Protects Skin from Free Radicals.
13. Green Tea: High in Antioxidants, Catechins, Tannic Acid. Protects Against Sun Damage.
14. Almonds: Vitamin E, Quercetin, Protects Against Sun Damage, Anti-Inflammatory.
15. Red Grapes: Phytonutrients, Polyphenols, Quercetin, Help Protect Against UV Rays.
16. Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Helps Protect Against Ultra Violet B Radiation.
17. Flax Seed: Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Protects Against Sunburn, Reduces Inflammation.
18. Dark Chocolate: High in Antioxidants Which Protects Against Free Radicals.
19. Salmon: Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Antioxidants, Anti-Inflammatory.
20. Broccoli Sprouts: Sulphorophane and Glucoraphanin (Skin CancerProtection).