Why Eating Your Water is the Secret to Looking and Feeling Younger

You've heard it time and again—"you are what you eat." But how many times have you thought about the food you eat in relation to how hydrating it is? According to Dr. Murad (famed founder of the eponymous skincare line), the secret to maintaining an inner and outer youthful glow as we age lies in maintaining strong cells that can attract and keep water the way younger cells do (i.e. well-hydrated cells!)

As we age, the body moves toward dryness and coldness. As our cells lose their integrity, we become more vulnerable to the hallmarks of aging—oxidative stress, inflammation, and disease.  

The answer, he proposes, is to eat your water. Colorful fruits and vegetables contain 85 to 98 percent water. He calls this The Water Secret. 

But why is water from a fruit or vegetable better than just drinking plain water?

According to Dr. Murad, "The water in fruit and vegetables is structured, meaning it's surrounded by molecules that help it get into cells easily and quickly...Fruits and vegetables are also rich in healing antioxidants your body needs. They also contain trace minerals and B Vitamins that your body uses to metabolize carbohydrates, fat, and protein." 

How can you put this into practice? 

1. Seek out hydrating foods. Juicy fruits and vegetables, like apples, berries, mango, leafy greens, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, and tomatoes. 

2. Favor antioxidant-rich foods (the deeper and brighter the fruit, the more loaded with antioxidants it is!)

3. Enjoy several servings of healthy fats a day, which keep us hydrated, youthful and supple.