Water: An Over Looked Essential Nutrient
Water is the most common liquid that we encounter in our daily lives. Not only it is the most abundant liquid and cheap but also the most beneficial to our health. We can go without food several weeks but without water we will die of dehydration in a few days. More than two thirds of our body is water yet most of us do not understand the importance of drinking water. Water in our bodies is needed for running basic metabolic processes such as excretion, digestion, transport of food to the tissues, transport of body fluids, for lubrication of joints and internal organs and for regulation of body temperature. No liquid can ever substitute water.
Unlike beverages such as Gatorade and Powerade, water can be used to assuage problems such asthma, hypertension, allergies, headaches, low back pain, high cholesterol levels and migraines. Also when one is executing an involving activity water is indispensable for proper running of body metabolic processes. The physiological effects of drinking water are different from those of drinking beverages such as Gatorade and Powerade. This is because unlike water they contain dehydrating compounds that may create a strong diuretic effect on the kidneys. Our bodies require a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily. Unfortunately most of us fall far below this minimum requirement. Our thirst should only be contented by no other drink but water. This makes water stand out as an indispensable liquid without which our health will be at stake. Our brains consist of 85% water and our blood is about 90% water. Intellectual activities that require more use of brain require that the levels of water remain at this level otherwise problems such as poor coordination and memory loss arise.
Although a beverage like Gatorade contains a high proportion of water, it also contains nutrients such as sodium and carbohydrates. It is suitable as a sports drink because one losses these nutrients while exercising. Its name is even derived from a university football team that was behind this invention. Powerade is much similar to Gatorade and contains ingredients such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium and is suitable for people who are engaging in more physical activities such as sports. The two drinks basically differ on the amount of sugar, type of sugar and amount of sodium present. Water contains no sugar. Therefore these drinks become important if one is planning to take part in extreme exercises.
In terms of cost water is of course the drink to go for. It is the cheapest drink one can ever find on earth. Consumption of lot water has no negative impacts or any detrimental effects on health; in fact, it is the healthiest thing to do. Taking a lot of these sports drinks while not engaging in a less physical activity will lead into introduction of a lot sugars and electrolytes which has negative impact on health and may lead to complications such as diabetes and kidney problems.
Water is an overlooked essential nutrient that may be your missing element to a healthier and more vibrant life. Drinking a lot of water is the most health thing any person can do to his or her body.
Processing your request, Please wait....
