Dehydration Nation: a Majority of Americans Cite Less Energy When They Don't Hydrate, a New Poll Shows

ORLANDO, Fla., May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans thirsting for more energy may want to refresh their hydration habits – by thinking outside the water glass, suggests a new survey.

Nearly nine of 10 Americans believe they have to drink something to stay hydrated, according to an online survey conducted in May among 2,050 U.S. adults by Harris Poll, and commissioned by National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB). Yet, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports 44 percent of adults drink fewer than four cups of water per day.

NWPB is reminding Americans that they can eat their hydration, offering mouthwatering inspiration at www.watermelon.org. Two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) agree that of all produce, watermelon is the one they would choose to help them hydrate.

"Every system in your body – from reproduction and digestion to circulation, mood and memory – depends on water," says Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., and author of several nutrition and wellness books. "Consequently, water helps ward off fatigue, a common health complaint in the United States."

In fact, three in five Americans (62 percent) agree they don't have enough energy on days when they don't hydrate enough. One-third (34 percent) of Americans say they don't drink a lot of water as they need something with flavor – and those numbers are higher (41 percent) among Millennials.

"Sliced, cubed or blended, watermelon is a delicious way to increase fluid intake and boost energy," Somer says. "Watermelon is 92 percent water, and the perfect ingredient for salads, salsas, smoothies and more."

• Make a center-of-plate statement with Grilled Spicy Watermelon or Grilled Cheese, Watermelon and Arugula Sandwich
• Keep kids cool on hot days with Watermelon Snow Cones and Watermelon Popsicles
• Drink watermelon! This beverage trio, including the Veggie De-Bloat Cocktail, Red Hot Blood Cleanser and Watermelon Zapper, contains vital ingredients for health and hydration

"Watermelon is loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium, fiber and phytonutrients, like lycopene," she adds. "You'll be hard-pressed to find a better snack to fill you up without filling you out."

About National Watermelon Promotion Board
NWPB was established in 1989 as the nonprofit marketing and communications arm of the watermelon industry. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB is a multi-faceted organization with a strategic mission to make watermelon an every day, healthy choice for consumers throughout the United States, Canada and other export markets. NWPB works to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotions, marketing, research, communication and educational programs.

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of the National Watermelon Promotion Board from May 12-14, 2014 among 2,050 adults ages 18 and older. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Trista Gropp.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140528/91974

SOURCE National Watermelon Promotion Board