Water makes up 60% of the human body and covers three-quarters of the Earth.
Despite its abundance and crucial role in our lives, many people prioritise other beverages over water, overlooking its unparalleled benefits.
1. Health Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is essential for the body’s vital functions and daily activities. It forms saliva and mucus, keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist, and regulates body temperature and blood pressure.
2. Key health benefits include:
- Prevents and Treats Headaches: Staying hydrated can reduce headache frequency and intensity.
- Relieves Constipation: Adequate water intake promotes regular bowel movements.
- Prevents Kidney Stones: Drinking water dilutes substances in the urine that lead to stones.
- Aids in Weight Loss: Drinking water before meals can help with weight management.
- Eliminates Waste: Water helps remove waste through urine, sweat, and feces.
- Enhances Nutrient Absorption: Proper hydration ensures efficient absorption of minerals and vitamins.
- Boosts Metabolism: Water increases metabolic rate by promoting thermogenesis and regulating blood sugar levels.
- Reduces Fluid Retention: It helps the body maintain proper hydration levels.
- Improves Digestion:** Warm water, in particular, aids digestion and eases constipation.
3. Beauty Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is a key element in maintaining beauty by purging toxins and impurities from the body, which enhances skin, hair, and nails.
– For Skin –
- Maintains clear skin.
- Fights wrinkles and aging.
- Enhances skin elasticity.
- Adds a natural glow.
- Combats skin conditions like eczema.
- Cleanses pores and detoxifies the skin.
- Balances pH levels for an even skin tone.
- Reduces acne and blemishes.
– For Hair –
- Promotes healthy hair growth.
- Prevents dry scalp.
- Reduces itching, dandruff, and split ends.
- Strengthens hair roots by stimulating nerve endings.
- Thickens hair and alleviates seborrheic dermatitis.
– For Nails –
- Hydrates nails, preventing peeling and breakage.
4. Seasonal Hydration
– In Winter –
- Drinking water prevents sinus dryness, enhancing the body's resistance to infections and germs.
- It protects the skin from dryness and cracking due to cold weather.
- Maintains weight stability during winter.
– In Summer –
- Drinking cold water helps the body manage heat by replenishing lost fluids and regulating body temperature.
- Adding ice, lemon, and orange slices to water boosts refreshment and vitality.
5. Individual Water Needs
Water requirements vary based on activity level, health status, and environmental conditions.
– On average –
- Men need about 15.5 cups of water daily.
- Women need about 11.5 cups daily.
6. Hydration for Infants and Children
Infants under six months should not drink water, relying solely on milk. After six months, small amounts of water can be introduced. As children grow, their water needs increase:
- Ages 5-8: Around 5 cups daily.
- Ages 9-12: About 9 cups daily.
- Ages 13 and above: Approximately 10 cups or 2 liters daily.
