
Importance of Water for A Healthy Body
Importance of Water for A Healthy Body
To function well, our bodies need many different things. Regular exercise, healthy food, eight hours of sleep and a little sunshine are all important for a healthy body. But with most of the human body being made up of water, the final thing that we absolutely need for a healthy body is enough water.
Many people rely on sugary drinks and coffee for their water intake, but we’re here to tell you that that just won’t do. Water has many functions in the body, and drinking enough has many benefits. In this post, 24/7 Fitness looks at the importance of water and what it does in our bodies. Keep reading to find out why you should start drinking more than two litres of water a day.
What Does Water Do For The Body
Here are the most important functions of water in the human body:
Carries oxygen and nutrients to cells
Moistens tissues in the eyes, mouth and nose
Protects body organs and tissues
Regulates body temperature
Lubricates joints
Helps to flush out waste products
Dissolves minerals and nutrients, making them useable for your body
In other words, water is responsible for many vital functions. But it doesn’t stop there. There are also many benefits to drinking enough water.
7 Benefits of Drinking Water
Here are the main benefits of drinking the right quantity of water for your body and individual needs, which you can find more about below:
Drinking Water Helps Maximize Physical Performance
Proper hydration improves your endurance, strength and power, making drinking enough water crucial for all of us gym-goers. When you exercise, you will perspire and need additional water in order to avoid dehydration and its negative effects. But don’t worry, a protein shake has water content too.
Tip: Find out more about how water improves exercise.
Water Helps You Lose Weight
Studies have shown that drinking enough water can help with weight loss (when paired with a healthy diet and exercise, of course).
Sufficient Water Aids in Digestion
Have you heard the one about if you drink water during a meal, you’ll harm your digestion? Turns out, that’s incorrect. Science shows that drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body break down the food you eat more easily. This also allows your body to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from your meal.T
Water Improves Nutrient Absorption
As mentioned above, helping with food breakdown allows water to also help dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.
It Improves Blood Oxygen Circulation
One of water's most important functions is circulating different elements through your body. Water is responsible for not just nutrient circulation but oxygen circulation as well.
Water also helps you absorb important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from your food, which will increase your chances of staying healthy.
Water Boosts Your Metabolism and Energy
Drinking water can activate your metabolism, which in turn improves your energy levels.
Water Helps Keep Skin Bright and Firm
Drinking enough water will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production. It is important to pair these effects with adequate sun protection and other forms of hydration, but drinking plenty of water certainly helps to keep your skin clear, bright and firm.
How Much Water Do You Need for A Healthy Body?
There are different schools of thought on this question, but in general, it is agreed that adults should be drinking at least two litres of water every day. However, studies have shown that the average healthy male should be drinking 3.7 litres of water a day, while women should be drinking 2.7 litres. These quantities will allow the body to function optimally.
This quantity will differ from person to person, as many factors are involved in how much water you need. Hot weather, a high altitude, your personal exercise level and diet, as well as caffeine and alcohol intake all have a part to play in your water needs.
In addition, not all fluids need to be drunk in the form of water. Many different foods, fruits and drinks contain water, allowing us to lower our actual water intake, without lowering our fluids.
Tip: If you’re not yet convinced, here are five reasons why you should drink more water.