10 best foods for your skin

Proper hydration has many positive effects such as helping your skin look fresh and young as well as regulating blood flow to your heart and brain. It can also boost mood, alertness, memory and productivity in the short term.

In a recent study done by Quench, a provider of filtered water to workplaces, it was found that over 75% working Americans do not drink enough water. Some of the leading reasons for this, according to the study, were people reporting they “are not thirsty”, “do not have time to get water”, or “do not like/trust the water provided at work”.

If you are one of the people in the majority who do not drink enough water throughout the day, try factoring in these 10 foods that are extremely high in water content and your skin will thank you later.

1.Lettuce

Water Content 96%

Other healthy facts: Almost completely made up of water, lettuce only has 5cal per cup. It is high in Vitamins A and K. Lettuce also contains fiber, so when combined with it’s high water content, it is rather filling.

Best ways to consume: Raw in a salad, as a garnish or in place of a bun on a sandwich.

2. Cucumber

Water Content 95%

Other healthy facts: Cucumbers are very low calorie with only about 16cal per cup, making them a great snack for weight loss. They also contain small amounts of potassium, magnesium and Vitamin K

Best ways to consume: Raw on a salad or a sandwich. They are also commonly used as healthy snack food instead of chips and dipped in hummus.

3. Celery

Water Content 95%

Other healthy facts: Celery is extremely low in calories with only 16cal per cup, and it contains fiber, making it a great snack food. It is also high in potassium and Vitamin K, both of which are good for your bones.

Best ways to consume: Celery can be cooked and put into soups, or eaten raw on a salad. Most commonly, celery is used as a healthy snack alternative and can be dipped into hummus, peanut butter, or greek yogurt.

4. Zucchini

Water Content 94%

Other healthy facts: Zucchini is low in calories at 20 calories per cup while also providing 1g of fiber to keep you full. It is also very high in Vitamin C, which is key to a strong immune system

Best ways to consume: Zucchini is very versatile as a food. It goes well raw on salads or by itself. You can also cook it and add it to a stir fry, soup, or saute it with other veggies. Lastly, it can be shaved and be used as “noodles” in a low carb, healthier pasta.

5. Tomatoes

Water Content 94%

Other healthy facts: Only 32cal per cup and high in fiber, they are a perfect midday snack food. Tomatoes are also great for your immune system. They contain Vitamins A and C ,which help strengthen your immune system, and lycopene, an antioxidant known for its disease fighting capabilities.

Best ways to consume: Raw tomatoes are juicy and delicious. They can be eaten by themselves, put in salsa or a salad, or eaten with some olive oil poured over them to add healthy fats. They can also be cooked and made into many sauces or tasty soups.

6. Watermelon

Water Content 92%

Other healthy facts: Watermelon contains 46 cal per cup and contains small amounts of fiber, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and lycopene.

Best ways to consume: Watermelon is a great snack food, especially in the summer. It can also be used to make salads a little sweeter.

7. Bell Peppers

Water Content 92%

Other Healthy Facts: Mostly water, containing 46 cal per cup, bell peppers are very nutrient dense. They contain very high levels of Vitamin C(more than any other fruit or vegetable.) They also are very high in fiber, Vitamin B, and potassium. Bell peppers also contain carotenoid antioxidants, which help keep your eyes healthy.

Best ways to consume: Bell peppers are very good sauteed and added to stir fries, egg dishes, or a burrito or burrito bowl. They are also good raw in salads, and are great snack foods when dipped in hummus or guacamole.

8 Cabbage

Water Content 92%

Other Healthy Facts: It merely contains 22 cal per cup. Cabbage is very high in fiber as well as Vitamin C, Vitamin K and folate(A B vitamin that aids in DNA production)

Best ways to consume: Coleslaw has cabbage in it and can be tasty as well as healthy depending on the other ingredients. Fermented cabbage becomes sauerkraut, which is thought to be good in digestive health and is still very high in water.

9 Cauliflower

Water Content 92%

Other Healthy Facts: Cauliflower only contains 25cal per cup paired with 3g of fiber. It is also very nutrient dense containing more than 15 vitamins and minerals. One specific example is choline, which is typically found in proteins and promotes brain health.

Best ways to consume: It can be eaten as a snack raw and dipped in hummus, sauteed with other veggies as a fresh side dish, or used as a healthy way to replace grains such as rice or pizza crust.

10 Strawberries

Water Content 91%

Other Healthy Facts: Strawberries contain 47 cal per cup, and, surprise surprise, are very high in fiber. They also contain many vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, folate, and manganese (mineral that regulates brain function.) They are also a natural anti-inflammatory which can protect against diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's along with aiding muscle and sunburn recovery.

Best ways to consume: Strawberries are an easy snack for any time of day that taste great. Their sweetness makes them a great addition to salads, wraps, smoothies, and shakes.

Summary :

Water is a key aspect to not only health, but mood and productivity

Three out of four adult Americans do not drink enough water throughout the day

While these foods cannot replace water, they can provide a delicious yet healthy way to ensure your body’s hydration needs are met