Weekend's Nutrition Talk: Water, Water and Water

The importance of water is often taken for granted, yet although it is possible to survive for weeks without food, we can live for only a few days without water.

Water plays a vital role in the body: it transports nutrients, regulates the body temperature, transports waste via the kidneys, and acts a lubricating fluid.

Most people do not drink enough water: it is thought that an adult requires around 10 cups per day. A shortage of water can provoke headaches and loss of concentration. Fizzy drinks, tea and coffee all act as diuretics and speed up the loss of water; which causes dehydration.

So, friends, step up and start drinking water. It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle for water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising. While at work, you can set reminders in your outlook and it pings you right at your set time. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor. There are some brands of flavored water available, but watch for extra calories.

Some of the Benefits of drinking water are:

1. Drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning helps wake the body up. So kick-start your day with water!
2. Water helps you look good. By flushing out toxins and impurities, water can make your skin clearer, smoother and younger looking.
3. Helps you lose weight.
   
4. Helps in the digestion of food.
5. Increases your mental and physical performance.

Source: The practical encyclopedia of Whole Foods.