Summer Fruit to Stay Hydrated

Last week SupermarketGuru talked about staying hydrated with healthy beverages and in the heat of summer, drinks are not the only way to keep our cool. Summer fruits are packed with electrolytes that are often lost through sweating. Excessive fluid loss can impair the function of vital organs like the heart. Dehydration can also cause headaches, muscle cramping, problems concentrating, dizziness, irritability, and fainting; therefore getting adequate fluids and electrolytes is a must, especially in the summer heat. 

 

Surprisingly, most people are not properly hydrated even in the cooler months, here are SupermarketGuru’s tips for electrolyte rich fruit found right in your local supermarket!

Electrolytes and even some fluids are readily available in foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Summer offers a wider selection of ripe and juicy fruits and vegetables than any other season. In season produce is often less expensive, more nutritious and flavorful. In other words, eating your way to a hydrated, healthy, fit body is as enjoyable and wallet friendly as it is good for you.  Here's a list of some in-season fruit to keep your summer fresh, and nutritious. 

Figs, fresh or dried, are one of the highest fruit sources of fiber, and they also contain the minerals potassium (great for replenishing losses in sweat), calcium, and iron.

The vibrant color of tender apricots hints at their rich content of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A).  Beta-carotene and vitamin C both in apricots, act as antioxidants in the body. Sun-sweetened apricots are also a good source of fiber and potassium. Tote a bag of apricots with you to the gym (along with your water bottle, of course) and enjoy them as convenient pre- or post-workout snack. 

Plums and peaches are ripe and ready these balmy months. Luscious peaches and plums have beta-carotene and vitamin C as well as fiber. The skins of purple and red plums contain anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants. 

The berry family is in season and bursting with flavor: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, huckleberries and more. They are high in fiber and vitamin C. The deep red and purple color of the berries also indicates the presence of the anthocyanadins. Cherries are another summer ripe fruit that contain these wholesome nutrients as well. 

The tropical mangoes and papayas are irresistibly mouthwatering summer fruits. Succulent mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. In fact, just half a mango has over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A (as beta-carotene). Papaya is another rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber, and also contains potassium and folate. Folate prevents developmental defects in fetuses and helps supports cardiovascular health.

 

And what would summer be without ice-cold, refreshing watermelon. All the melons, including cantaloupe, casaba, and honeydew, are summer fruits. Cantaloupe with its peachy-orange flesh is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. The casaba melon contains vitamin C and potassium, and the honeydew is a good source of vitamin C. Juicy watermelon is a rich source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, and a good source of lycopene - an antioxidant that has been shown to prevent prostate cancer. 

With so many delectable fruits to choose from, there's no reason not to get the minimum five servings a day. Bring easy to carry fruits with you everywhere: to camp, work, gym, baseball game, picnics and parties. Explore the wide variety of natural flavors at every meal and as refreshing snacks. So, whether you're exercising or just trying to stay cool, there's nothing quite as tasty and nutritious as beating the heat with the thirst-quenching fruits of summer. With the abundance of choices this season, every day can be a sweet experience.