The best allies to combat the heat

One of the keys to combatting (or tolerating well) the heat is to drink plenty of water, they say. When we hear the word “hydration,” the first thing that comes to mind is a large glass of water (or for some, a bottle of beer just taken out of the fridge). But we forget that there are some foods, like certain fruits and vegetables, that contain a high water content and help keep our bodies well hydrated.

Here’s a small list of fruits and vegetables that will help you successfully navigate the hottest days of the year while providing you with vitamins, fiber, and health!

Carrot: rich in beta-carotene, besides refreshing the body, it helps enhance tanning.

Broccoli: Contains up to 91% water.

Spinach: They contain 92% water, as well as fiber and iron.

Tomato: perfect for salads, cold soups, and gazpachos. Besides its high water content, it contains a large amount of nutrients, is rich in vitamins C, A, E, B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It contains fiber, lycopene (a natural skin regenerator), and is low in sodium.

Cucumber: composed of 96% water, it controls blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, low in calories, and high in vitamins and minerals. It’s also great for gazpachos, salads, and infusing in water with lemon/lime and mint.

Watermelon: When one thinks of “summer in Mallorca,” one automatically thinks of eating a cold slice of watermelon for dessert or at the beach. It is hydrating, diuretic, detoxifies the body, protects the neurological system, good for heart health, and very refreshing!

Melon: Like watermelon, it has a high water content, is hydrating, helps with fluid retention, contains beta-carotenes, vitamin C and B, folic acid, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Perfect for juices, smoothies, sorbets, to include in salads or to eat as is.

Plums: Known to prevent constipation and facilitate intestinal transit thanks to their high fiber content, they also contain calcium, potassium, copper, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Grapes: 80% of their content is water, they have a large amount of antioxidants, diuretic properties, dilators, beneficial for bones, and folate. They also reduce the risk of diabetes.

All these summer seasonal fruits and vegetables can be found locally, in season, and Km0 at the S’Hort de Sa Vall store (open Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm and Fridays from 5 pm to 11:30 pm) or from Monday to Saturday at the fruit and vegetable shop “Fruites i Verdures Na Camel.la” in Manacor.