EAT SOMEWATER

Dietician Shilpa Joshi tells you what to eat to keep yourself hydrated
as the mercury levels continue to rise in the city

CUCUMBER
The expression, 'Cool as a cucumber', probably refers to its high
water content. Cucumbers also contain potassium which helps maintain
the mineral balance in the body particularly when you are losing
fluids. And the benefits don't end there. Cucumbers are also rich in a
lipid component called 'sterol' that can bring down cholesterol
levels. And it's the skin of the cucumber that contains the highest
level of sterols. So think twice before you peel away valuable
nutrition. Lastly, cucumbers are also extremely low in calories making
the vegetable a dieter's dream.
LETTUCE
A must-have when it comes of the classic salad plate, lettuce has 90
per cent water content. A word of caution though – go easy on the
dressing as they only bring down the nutritive value.
TOMATO
Apart from combating cancer and a host of other ailments, tomatoes are
also amongst the most hydrated of vegetables. Besides this, Lycopene,
the chemical which gives tomato its distinct red colour, protects skin
against UV damage, which one is more prone to in summer.
Tomatoes are also high in Vitamin A which is fat soluble, so
remember to include a small amount of fat in your diet along with
tomatoes or your body won't be able to fully absorb the vitamin.
WATERMELON
Instead of guzzling down plain water, have some juicy, freshly split
watermelon. Low on calories and high on water content, this fruit is
your best bet when dealing with the sweltering heat.
Watermelons also contain powerful antioxidants that neutralise free
radicals in the body, that otherwise could cause harm by oxidising
protein and fat. In the long run, these radicals could put you at risk
of cancer. And if you're on a diet, this high fibre fruit promises to
make you feel full for longer.
STRAWBERRY
Not only does strawberry rank high in water content, the fruit is also
packed with Vitamin C, the anti-oxidant which keeps ligaments strong
and hastens skin repair including sun-burns. Apart from that
strawberries are also rich in flavonoids, which help fight cancer.
(Shilpa Joshi is a registered dietician who runs her private practice in Bandra)
— AS TOLD TO VIKAS HOTWANI