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Are cucumbers healthy or just water?

Cucumbers are made up of around 96% water – that's the highest water content of any food. They're also low in calories, and a source of vitamins and fibre. Tip: Add cucumber to your salads, snack on cucumber vegetable sticks with hummus or blend cucumber with mint and lime to make a refreshing drink.

Should diabetics take naps?
Should diabetics take naps?

Midday naps may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes Midday naps are shown to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Further, short and...

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Can you eat too little carbs on keto?
Can you eat too little carbs on keto?

Carbs are converted to energy more efficiently than protein or fat, so you may start feeling a little sluggish throughout the day on a low-carb...

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Cucumber, 96% water

Cucumbers are made up of around 96% water – that’s the highest water content of any food. They’re also low in calories, and a source of vitamins and fibre.

Tomatoes, 95% water

Tomatoes are made up of about 95% water. Whether you enjoy small sweet cherry tomatoes, large juicy beef tomatoes or prefer your tomatoes on the vine – there’s a huge variety to choose from. Tomatoes are also a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for keeping your skin, eyes and immune system healthy. Tip: Add tomato slices to a sandwich, salads or scramble them into eggs. Or make your own homemade pasta sauce by frying tomatoes with garlic and herbs. You can then blend and freeze them for another day.

Spinach, 93% water

Spinach is made up of around 93% water, and is good for hydration. Spinach is also a good source of iron. Iron is essential for helping to transport oxygen around your body, and for keeping your immune system healthy. Tip: Use spinach as the base of a fresh summer salad or add a handful to your smoothies. Make your own spinach and basil pesto, and freeze it in ice cube trays ready to add to wholemeal pasta dishes when needed. You can also buy bags of frozen spinach which are perfect for adding to soups, chillis and casseroles.

Mushrooms, 92% water

Mushrooms are made up of roughly 92% water. They’re also a good source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which is important for your skin and nervous system. Vitamin B2 also helps to reduce tiredness and releases energy from the food you eat. Tip: Fill two large portobello mushrooms with chopped tomatoes and a sprinkling of low-fat cheese. Then cook in the oven to create a delicious pizza alternative with a rich meaty flavour. You can also add chopped mushrooms to bolognese, chillis, soups, stews and casseroles.

Yellow melon, 91% water

It’s no surprise that yellow melons - like the honeydew variety - are made up of around 91% water. Melons are also low in calories and sugar, and a good source of potassium. Potassium helps to keep your blood pressure healthy and your nerves and muscles in good working order. Tip: Cut a melon into triangles and top with berries to make melon pizza slices, or make colourful fruit kebabs using different varieties of melons.

Broccoli, 90% water

If you’re a fan of broccoli, you’ll be glad to hear that these florets are made up of around 90% water. Broccoli also contains lots of important nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin A, iron, calcium and folic acid. Tip: Try roasting broccoli with flaked almonds and sesame oil for a delicious nutty flavour. Or make a batch of warming broccoli and cheddar soup.

Can you drink alcohol while on keto?
Can you drink alcohol while on keto?

Even on a keto diet, there are plenty of low-carb alcoholic beverages to choose from. Wine, light beer and pure forms of alcohol — such as whiskey,...

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Is canned tuna in oil keto?
Is canned tuna in oil keto?

Is canned tuna OK on keto diet? Absolutely! It is a great source of protein and very frugal. Canned tuna is perfect to enjoy on the keto diet. Jul...

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Brussel sprouts, 86% water

Love them or hate them, this Christmas dinner staple consists of an estimated 86% water. Brussel sprouts are a great source of folic acid (folate). This is essential for your body to make red blood cells, and important for the development of babies during pregnancy. Folic acid also helps your immune system to work well and reduces tiredness. Tip: Give your vegetable stir-fry an extra boost by adding brussel sprouts to other traditional wok ingredients like peppers, pak choi and beansprouts.

Oranges, 86% water

Oranges contain about 86% water. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, clementines and satsumas are good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which helps look after your muscles, bones, tendons, arteries and skin. It also plays a part in making sure your immune and nervous systems work properly, and helps your body to absorb iron from food. Tip: Peel and slice 2 oranges and 3 carrots and mix with rocket, avocado and olive oil to make a tangy carrot, orange and avocado salad. Or add orange segments to a fruit salad, and top with yoghurt and seeds. Don’t forget – one small glass of orange juice (150ml) also counts as one of your 5-a-day.

Apples, 86% water

Apples are made up of roughly 86% water. So it’s no wonder that – as the saying goes – an apple a day helps to keep the doctor away. There are thousands of different varieties of apples grown all over the world. They’re also low in calories, and a source of vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Tip: Cut an apple into slices and enjoy as a snack with a tablespoon of nut butter. Or stew them with cinnamon and pour them over porridge for a delicious warming breakfast.

Blueberries, 85% water

Blueberries have become a popular health food in recent years. As well as being a source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, blueberries are also about 85% water. Berries are a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect your cells from being damaged. Tip: Pour a handful of blueberries over your morning cereal or add them to your smoothies. You can also enjoy them with some yoghurt and a sprinkling of chopped nuts and seeds for a delicious after-dinner treat.

How can I satisfy my hunger without carbs?
How can I satisfy my hunger without carbs?

Include high-fiber veggies To reign in hunger, make low-carb, fiber-filled vegetables your friends. Not only are they very low in calories and rich...

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Why did Esther fast for 3 days?
Why did Esther fast for 3 days?

Fasting in the Book of Esther While halacha normally forbids fasting on Passover, it is believed that Esther reasoned it would be better to fast on...

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What does velveting meat mean?
What does velveting meat mean?

What is velveting? Velveting is a Chinese method of marinating which keeps delicate meat and seafood moist and tender during cooking. The velveting...

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Is Honey OK on keto?
Is Honey OK on keto?

The short answer: no. The long answer: still no, but that doesn't mean honey is bad for you or can't be part of a healthy diet. Honey just happens...

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