A Fruit Tip to Help Stay Hydrated in the Heat
By Stephen R. Farris
Most everyone living in Texas knows when summer begins its approach, which means an abundant crop of cantaloupes and watermelons will be available in nearly every grocery store and farmers market.
Both fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and are a great source to have on hand to help with keeping hydrated while exercising or working out in the extreme Texas heat.
Growing up in Texas, my grandmother usually kept a big jar of cantaloupe sliced up and stored in the refrigerator. I remember after playing outside on those hot summer days and going into the kitchen to get a drink of water and a couple of slices of cantaloupe.
What I didn't realize at the time was the fact that both helped to hydrate me, with the cantaloupe as a plus for providing much needed vitamins and minerals that I may have lost from sweating.
Besides the hydration part, eating cantaloupe -- because of the antioxidants it contains -- was also helping to prevent cell damage. Some of the antioxidant properties in cantaloupe are:
- Selenium
- Beta carotene
- Vitamin C
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Choline
According to scientific reports, the combination of lutein and zeaxanthin -- responsible for the yellow-to-red hue found in some fruits and vegetables -- help slow age-related macular degeneration by helping to filter out harmful blue light rays.
Beta carotene can help prevent asthma later in life, and combined with Vitamin C it could serve as a sort of protection against the disease as well.
Cantaloupe also contains fiber and potassium. Along with those two nutrients, plus choline and Vitamin C, it can help to decrease blood pressure, which is good for the heart.
Studies show additional benefits from eating cantaloupe, along with consuming other fruits and vegetables. So the next time you're taking a break from the heat, drink water and snack on some fruit to keep hydrated and energized.
And if you're experiencing pain in your back, neck, joints or need more advice about nutrition, visit with your local chiropractor. He or she can help give you relief and provide important tips and suggestions to start or maintain a healthy diet.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Lake Hills, Tex.