Water; considered by many to be the elixir of life.
There are countless dishes that contain water, and, of course, there are many dishes that would be impossible to create without it – boiled potatoes, eggs and noodles spring to mind. Everyone knows that water is important for the human body – after all, an adult’s body consists of 60% water!
That said, not everybody drinks enough to meet their bodily needs. Setting aside all those who don’t have access to clean water, there are millions of people who prefer to drink soda and energy drinks; who have tea and coffee, every day.
So, what would happen if we all agreed to drink nothing but water for 1 month? Well, apparently, a great deal of good things.
Normal water, unsweetened tea and mineral water give the body important “building blocks” to help solve a multitude of problems.
1. Metabolism is stimulated
While you sleep, your body actually loses water. This deficit should be compensated for shortly after you wake up.
When you drink a glass of cold water on an empty stomach, it can increase your metabolism by 30% for the following hour. A 30% increase can equate to around 25 calories, according to the German researchers who conducted this study.
On top of that, half a slice of lemon in the water doesn’t just add flavour; it can also help with your digestion.
2. Longer life?
An extra glass of water a day can help improve your lifespan, according to new research from Lund University.
In addition, the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and type 2 diabetes is reduced. With three of these having the potential to be extremely dangerous, it can’t hurt to add a glass of water to your daily routine in a bid to help your body where you can.
3. Brain function
It should go without saying that the brain is one of the body’s most important organs, working continuously. The brain itself is around 85% water, so it’s recommended that you “feed” it. With water being one of the fuels for the “engine of the body”, it increases concentration, amongst other things.
Many other studies, ranging from children to the elderly, have shown that only a little dehydration can worsen your mood, and affect things like your cognitive function.
4. Fighting constipation
Constipation can be a common problem, characterised by irregular bowel movements and an overall difficulty in going to the toilet.
Increasing your water intake is often recommended as part of the treatment, and there is scientific proof to back its worth up. Carbonated water has been found to be particularly effective in relieving constipation, though scientists don’t precisely know why.
5. Kidney stones
Problems with kidney stones? Water. Can. Help.
There’s been research that has shown increased water intake can help prevent recurring problems for people who have suffered from kidney stones previously.
6. Help with weight loss
Drinking lots of water can help you lose weight.
This is due to the fact that water can accelerate your metabolism. Obviously we’re not telling you to start a water only diet, but it’s a great way to help maximise your body’s ability to break things down.
7. More energy
Losing as little as 2% of your body’s water content can impair physical performance, studies have shown.
Keep in mind that athletes usually lose up to 6-10% of their water content through sweating alone – now you understand how important it is to stay fuelled with water.
8. Saving money
Last, but certainly not least, you save a huge amount of money by drinking water alone.
The price of soft drinks is much higher than the water you get from your own faucet. If you live in a country fortunate enough to have instant access to water, then be sure to make the most of it.
Water really can do so much for your body, it’s fascinating!
The best part of this is that you only need to give drinking water for a month a try to experience its positive effects. Such a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.
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