16 Underestimated Benefits of Drinking Water

The water is colorless, tasteless and odorless. But its amazing properties make it the most important resource on Earth. What role does this transparent substance play in human life? Tells MedAboutMe.

1. Ordinary water is the most valuable

Specialists World Health Organization warn that the time is not far off when drinking water will be the most valuable and costly resource. While our planet is more than 70% water, only 2.5% is edible.

Despite this, many people underestimate the importance of resource conservation. Thus, the average resident of the United States consumes 296 liters of water daily, Germany — 127 liters, and Russia — 278 liters. At the same time, the inhabitants of North Africa and the Middle East together consume only 1250 liters of water per year!

2. Water exists in three physical states

This means that we can encounter water as a liquid, as ice, or as clouds or vapor. Without all this, no one knows what the water cycle in nature would be like. After all, our lives depend on it.

3. It’s a Common Disease Carrier

Scientists have calculated that almost 85% of the diseases in the world are due to water. Every year more than 25 million people die after drinking contaminated or contaminated water.

At the same time, according to the data World Health Organization, almost two billion people on Earth experience a shortage of fresh drinking water.

4. It’s nutritious even though it has zero calories.

Ordinary drinking water does not contain proteins, fats and carbohydrates, so it has zero calories. But does this mean that it has no nutritional value? Not at all!

Tap water, tap water from underground sources or bottled water from a store may contain valuable minerals:

• Tap water is about 7 mg calcium, 2 mg magnesium, 9 mg sodium, and 0.03 mg zinc in one cup.
• Carbonated mineral water has about 60 mg of calcium and 17 mg of sodium in one cup.
• Store-bought bottled water is about 24mg calcium, 5mg sodium, and 5mg magnesium in one cup.

5. Thirst often disguises itself as hunger.

Some people gain weight because they confuse thirst with hunger. The fact is that the same parts of the brain are responsible for these two states in the body. Therefore, before eating a tidbit of something nutritious, losing weight should drink a glass of water.

According to a small study published in the journal Nutritional Science and Vitaminology in February 2012, sparkling water may improve appetite control and promote satiety.

6. Water is essential for joint health

Cartilage in the intervertebral discs and articular joints of the spine contains about 80% water. Fluid deficiency is dangerous for the body. It can cause a decrease in the shock-absorbing capacity of the joints, leading to pain and other problems.

7. Effective in losing excess weight

Without water, proper digestion is impossible. It helps maintain a healthy weight and avoid dehydration.

And in one small study in 2016, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, it has been found that staying hydrated can help you lose extra pounds and even protect against diabetes. Scientists claim that water can prevent the development of obesity due to its thermogenic properties. In addition, it can stimulate the breakdown of fat in the body and speed up metabolism.

8. Supports Oral Health

Water is necessary for the body, including for the formation of saliva. Saliva is involved in the processes of digestion. It moistens food and promotes its breakdown and assimilation by the body. And saliva also keeps the mouth clean, and in fact the health of teeth and gums depends on it.

If you replace sugary soda and other sweetened drinks with pure drinking water, you will avoid many problems with your teeth and gums.

9. Participates in the delivery of oxygen

The blood in the human body is approximately 90% water. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the right cells, allowing the body to grow, develop and repair itself.

10. Regulates blood pressure

Water deficiency can cause the blood to become thicker, which in turn leads to higher blood pressure.

11. Water is responsible for the beauty and youthfulness of the skin

When the body is dehydrated, each organ individually suffers. So it is not surprising that the skin becomes more vulnerable to dermatological and infectious diseases and premature wrinkling.

Scientists have also proven that wrinkles form earlier on dry skin.

12. Helps Vitamin Absorption

There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble.

Experts classify vitamins C, B1, B2, B3 (PP), B6, B12, folic and pantothenic acids and biotin as water-soluble vitamins. Water is required for their assimilation by the body and its use for its needs. It is also necessary for the absorption of other nutrients, such as fiber. If there is not enough water, dietary fiber will not bring benefits, but digestive problems.

13. Prevents Kidney Damage

The practice of doctors shows that a lack of water in the body or poor-quality water can contribute to the appearance of kidney stones and other pathologies. Thus, compliance with the drinking regimen is very important for the normal functioning of the kidneys.

14. Reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases

Many studies have found a correlation between drinking enough clean water and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

For example, in a scientific work, the results of which were published in American Journal of Epidemiology, it was found that people who drank at least six glasses of water daily were 41% less likely to have a heart attack compared to those who drank only two glasses of water a day.

15. Increases performance in sports

After conducting research, scientists came to the conclusion that drinking enough water during training can improve the performance of an athlete.

For example, in a short 2015 scientific review published in Journal of Sport and Health Sciencewater deficiency has been found to reduce performance in any activity that lasts more than 30 minutes.

16. Water prolongs life

Adults are 60 percent water. It is necessary so that they look and feel better, the body works like a clock and can perform all the tasks assigned to it.

But only a small number of people drink enough fluids. The average recommendations of scientists call for drinking 30-35 ml of water for every kilogram of the human body. Establish a drinking regimen today to become healthier tomorrow!