Friday July 18th, 2025

During periods of dry weather and lower temperatures, it’s common for the sensation of thirst to decrease. However, this doesn’t mean the body is losing less water. On the contrary: breathing and perspiration continue to eliminate fluids, albeit more subtly. The problem is that this loss can go unnoticed, leading to dehydration, which directly affects physical and mental well-being. To maintain balance, it’s essential to adopt a conscious hydration routine.

Frutas do Brasil spoke with Michelle Lucas, a nutritionist with a postgraduate degree from the University of Rio de Janeiro, to better understand how dry weather and low temperatures affect the body and how fruits and even coconuts can play a fundamental role in replenishing fluids.

Michelle began the conversation by warning about silent dehydration, which can lead to constipation, dry skin and eyes, difficulty concentrating, and a drop in immunity. According to her, dehydration is mild, but it’s evident in darker urine and unusual hunger. “A curious sign is unusual hunger, especially for high-calorie foods like sweets, pasta, and snacks. We’re often thirsty, but the brain misinterprets this signal,” she comments.

While water remains irreplaceable, the good news is that other allies can help with hydration. Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, and strawberries, as well as vegetables like cucumber and zucchini, are rich in water and make the hydration process more delicious and nutritious. 

However, the nutritionist highlights a typical and abundant fruit in Brazil that deserves special attention: the green coconut—especially for its water. Rich in potassium, sodium, and magnesium, it helps rebalance the body after exposure to heat or physical exertion. Michelle Lucas points out that coconut water can be an excellent alternative for varying fluid intake and providing more complete hydration. According to her, the fruit as a whole can be used for the hydration process. “Coconut pulp is also rich in fiber and good fats, which help maintain satiety and maintain skin and intestinal health,” she emphasizes.

Coconut numbers in Brazil 

Brazil exported more than 1,000 tons of green coconuts last year, generating US$1.3 million in revenue. According to data from Abrafrutas, the main consumer markets were Spain, Argentina, and Paraguay. The state of Bahia, in the Northeast, is the main producer of the fruit in Brazil. Last year, more than 440 tons were harvested. 

The nutritionist’s main tip is to make hydration a conscious habit, regardless of thirst. Keeping a bottle nearby, flavoring water with fruits and herbs like mint, and highlighting seasonal fruits are simple strategies that make a difference. “It’s a delicious and healthy way to take care of your body and, as a bonus, support domestic production,” concludes Michelle.

Who is Michelle Lucas?

Michelle Lucas is a nutritionist with a degree from Salgado de Oliveira University and a postgraduate degree in Functional Clinical Nutrition and Phytotherapy from UFRJ. She also works as a digital influencer, promoting content on health, well-being, and conscious eating. She has nearly 400,000 followers on social media.

Learn more about her work: Dra Millu Digital | @Dra.michellemillu