Health Benefits of Drinking Water!

One of the biggest health secrets is the value of drinking water . . .and drinking enough water each day. We drink too much coffee, tea, and sodas containing caffeine, which prompts the body to lose water but not this simplest and most affordable drink on the planet- Water! Water is often overlooked and it's importance cannot be overstated. Water is the most important nutrient in our body.

Almost 2/3rd of our body weight is simply the water. The human brain is composed of 74% water; blood is 83% water; Muscles are 84% water; Bone is 22% water; the lungs are nearly 90% water. How important is this composition? A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.

Simple and Pure water- is truly a "wonder drug".

Water versus Other Beverages

There is a difference between drinking pure water and beverages that contain water. Artificially flavoured drinks, Soft Drinks/ Sodas, Coffee etc. may contain substances that are not healthy and actually contradict some of the positive effects of added water.

Caffeinated beverages overstimulate the adrenal glands and Kidneys robbing your body of necessary water. Soft Drinks contain phosphoric acid which can lead to depletion of bone calcium. Flavoured drinks contain a lot of Sugar. A 12 ounce can of regular soda contains equivalents of 9 teanspoons of Sugar and loads of empty calories our body definitely does not need.

Drinking other beverages to the exclusion of water also causes you to lose your taste of pure water. This is particularly true with children as they become dependent on Soda and artificially flavoured juices.

Drinking Water and Metobolism- Weight Loss Perspective

Drinking water is important if you're trying to lose weight, studies have shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together. If there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger and one may eat when the body is actually craving fluid.

Since Water contains no Calories, it can act an appetite suppressant and help the body metabolize stored fat, which may turn out to be one of the most significant outcomes in losing weight. All functions within the body require the presence of water. A well hydrated body enables these functions to occur quickly and efficiently. All chemical processes involve energy metabolism and drinking plenty of water will make us feel more energetic and boost our metabolic rate.

The regular physiological function of maintaining body temperature also boosts your metabolism. You will will need more energy to heat the water to bring it to the level of actual body temperature. Your metabolic rate could be upto 3% faster when our body is well-hydrated.

Drinking more water also helps to reduce water retention by stimulating Kidneys.

It is recommended to add One glass of Water to every 25 pounds over required body weight to your normal daily water requirement (8 glasses of water).

Water and Digestion

Water is necessary for your body to digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. It also detoxifies the liver and kidneys, and carries away waste from the body. And when it comes to digestion . . . it's just not happening without water. Fiber alone cannot aid proper digestive function by itself. In fact, without water as its partner, good fiber goes bad, causing constipation and extreme discomfort.

Drinking Water is Heart-Healthy

The findings of a six-year study of more than 20,000 healthy men and women aged 38-100 in the May, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that women who drank more than five glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses. The protective effect of water was even greater in men.

Some Benefits of Drinking Water

To summarise, at least 8 glasses of pure water a day, will-

. Improve Your Energy
. Increase Your Mental and Physical Performance
. Remove Toxins & Waste Products from your body
. Keep Skin Healthy and Glowing
. Help You Lose Weight
. Reduce Headaches and Dizziness
. Allow for proper Digestion
. Help to keep you more Alkaline