The Benefits of Water
The simple truth is this: every single cell, tissue, and organ in your body requires water to function. It’s in everything you do, think, and experience.
Without water, your body wouldn’t be able to:
- Deliver oxygen
- Digest food
- Maintain brain function
- Receive nourishment
- Flush out toxins
- Regulate temperature
- Or protect your vital organs…
From hydration to cellular repair to sweeping out your colon, water is an essential service provider that you couldn’t do without. And both the quality and quantity of your aqueous intake play a role in shaping your overall health. That’s why the United Nations General Assembly in 2010 recognized access to safe, clean drinking water as a protected human right.
The basic biological need for clean water is unquestionable.
In fact, scientists recognize that water is quantitatively the most important “nutrient” — as good hydration not only allows your body to function but can also prevent various forms of chronic disease. Research has shown that even mild dehydration, if not alleviated, can account for an increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and morbidity.
According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the ideal daily fluid intake is about 124 fluid ounces a day for men (almost 16 cups) and 92 fluid ounces for women (almost 12 cups). But that is just a very general guideline. People who eat lots of fruits and vegetables don’t need to drink as much water as people who eat burgers and fries since their food provides substantial fluid intake. And people who exercise a lot and/or live in hot climates typically need more water as well. But we all need to make sure we’re getting enough.
(excerpt from The Food Revolution Network)