We all know that drinking water is good for us, and there’s science behind the claim. Here are some of the top benefits of drinking water backed by science.

Top Benefits of Drinking Water Backed by Science

Health Line cites about seven benefits of drinking water backed by science:

1. Water helps you stay hydrated, maximizing physical performance – particularly in high heat
2. Hydration has an important level on energy levels and brain function too:
   

   Dehydration degraded specific aspects of cognitive performance: errors increased on visual vigilance (P = 0·048) and visual working memory response latency slowed (P = 0·021). Fatigue and tension/anxiety increased due to dehydration at rest (P = 0·040 and 0·029) and fatigue during exercise (P = 0·026). Plasma osmolality increased due to dehydration (P < 0·001) but resting gastrointestinal temperature was not altered (P = 0·238). In conclusion, mild dehydration without hyperthermia in men induced adverse changes in vigilance and working memory, and increased tension/anxiety and fatigue.

3. Drinking water reduces the occurence of headaches and migraines
4. Drinking water reduces constipation levels too
5. Drinijng pure, alcaline water may help prevent urinary stones: “increased water intake has been the main preventive measure for the disease and its recurrence.”
6. Drinking water is a good method to reduce hangovers: “Down a tall glass of water (or several) before falling asleep and wake up feeling at least a bit better.”
7. Drinking water is recommended in all weight loss programmes because it “acutely reduces meal energy intake (EI) among middle-aged and older adults.”

But that’s not all. In fact, science backs many other positive benefits of drinking water on our body. Water is good for nursing mothers, and according to US dietitian and CNN contributor Lisa Drayer:

“Water regulates our body temperature, keeps our joints lubricated, helps prevent infections and delivers nutrients to our cells. Additionally, our kidneys and liver work hard to get rid of toxins in our bodies, and they depend on water to do their job.”

So drink plenty of water regardless the season: when you wake up, before a meal, when you are hungry, before a workout and after, when you have a cold or when you are exposed to germs when you are tired, and so on. But be mindful of drinking water benefit myths too. And try to reduce the use of plastics from your drinking water routines. When you go for a jog or any other type of workout, don’t buy plastic bottles: count on reusables instead.

How to Make Drinking Water Fun

Much of our disdain with plain water comes from the lack of flavor, but that’s an easy problem to overcome. There are countless ways to make drinking water fun and tasty:

1. Use fresh, seasonal fruit for an overnight infusion: it works every season. Think slices of lemon and other citrus fruit, all kinds of berries, and mint, and the list goes on. Fill up a jug with water, add your favorite yummies and ice, and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.Tip: pineapple chunks work wonders on flavor-infused drinking water.

   

2. Puree berries and top with sparkling water.
3. Don’t discard your stock when you boil veggies like carrot, potatoes, roots, beans, and peas. Combining a small amount of stock with hot-boiled water works wonders for both taste and added vitamin intake. It’s like slimming soup – but better because you don’t have to follow a diet to enjoy this cup of wonder.
4. Herb it: dill, mint, oregano, thyme, and all kind of herbs can add a plus of “zing” to your water. Experiment: add a slice of lemon and honey for a plus of flavor every time you feel like it.

We could continue. Whatever you choose, remember that our bodies are about 60% water, therefore, water is good for you. Read this article that tells you more about water and your body.