10 Benefits of Drinking Water

Did you know that approximately 60% of the human body is made up of water? Water is not only a vital nutrition for the human body, but it is also essential in helping us maintain good health. If you live in a warm and humid climate like Singapore, it is even more important to drink enough water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Besides keeping us hydrated, what are some of the benefits of drinking water?

1. Water aids in reducing sugar cravings

We often mistake thirst for hunger as the brain is unable to differentiate between the two sensations. A sugar craving might be thirst, so drinking sufficient water can help to relieve unhealthy food addictions. If you do not like the taste of plain water, you can also try zero-sugar flavoured water.

2. Water boosts skin health

Great skin starts with adequate hydration. Drinking enough water can improve your skin in many ways. Water helps the skin flush out toxins. This reduces acne and puffiness, maintains the pH of the skin and even prevents premature ageing. For clear and radiant skin, make water your first choice when it comes to staying hydrated or consider healthy, zero-calorie beverages such as fruit-infused water.

3. Water may help in weight maintenance

If you struggle with weight maintenance issues, why not try having a glass of water before a meal? Water can create a sense of fullness, helping to curb overeating, thus promoting weight loss. Also, try not to pair your food with high-caloric beverages such as soft drinks or sweet bubble tea which may contain calories of a regular meal! Instead, opt for water or healthier options such as fruit-flavoured water.  

4. Water maintains body temperature and helps prevent you from falling ill

When the external temperature is too high, water can regulate our internal body temperature through the process of perspiration. This helps to prevent the body from overheating. If you find yourself perspiring on a hot day, know that your body is losing water to cool down. It is therefore important that you stay hydrated to avoid getting a heatstroke.

5. Water may prevent the formation of kidney stones

Water is needed to flush out body waste and toxins. When the human body is lacking in water, the uric acid in our urine is not diluted. This causes the urine to become highly acidic, thus contributing to the development of kidney stones. To lower your risk of getting kidney stones, make sure you avoid sweet drinks and consume at least 8 glasses of water per day.

6. Water may also help to decrease the risk of bladder infections

Insufficient water intake not only increases the risk of kidney stones forming, it may also result in the reoccurrence of kidney stones as well as bladder issues such as urinary tract infection.

7. Water may reduce hangovers

If you consume alcohol excessively, your body will lose a large quantity of water because alcohol is a diuretic. Being hydrated can lessen the negative impact of alcohol consumption in terms of experiencing a hangover. To stay hydrated while you enjoy a cocktail or two, try alternating your alcoholic drink with water, or experiment with other interesting sugar-free beverages that could increase hydration.

8. Water is key to preventing constipation

Water plays a crucial role in our digestive system by “moving things along”. Lack of hydration can cause digestive problems and constipation. If you experience constipation, try to increase your water intake. This can help to maintain a healthier digestive system.  

9. Water helps to protect the brain

Water is indispensable for maintaining optimal brain health. It protects the brain structure and ensures that the brain cells function properly. Dehydration can affect cognitive activities like thinking and reasoning. It may even cause additional stress and increase anxiety. To stay alert and energetic at work or in school, it is imperative to stay hydrated. If you do not like the plain taste of water, try hydrating with some refreshing fruit-flavoured water. 

10. Water may enhance exercise performance

Exercising regularly is good for health. To make sure you reap the most benefits from your workouts, you have to drink a sufficient amount of water. Water not only helps to lubricate the joints and build muscles, but it also transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, boosting your endurance. If you feel tired quickly during an exercise session, it might be a sign that you are dehydrated, so drink up! Pure water should be your go-to hydrating fluid, but you can also mix it up with zero-calorie, sugar-free fruit-infused water.

Water is crucial in helping our body function healthily and there are so many benefits to drinking water. How do you ensure you drink sufficient water and constantly stay hydrated? Feel free to share your health tips with us!