Have you ever heard that you should drink eight glasses of water a day? You have either heard it in relation to your skin, your weight, your health or your general well-being.
Here are some facts: An average human body contains up to 60% water. This can vary with age, gender, how active you are and fat tissue. You do lose water from your body throughout the day from sweating, breathing and getting rid of waste product in the body.
The fact is your body knows how to look after itself more than you do. Your body knows when to communicate and let you know when you need something. You know when you are hungry, you know when you are tired, and you will definitely know when you need water. That does not mean you should not drink water; in fact, you need to drink water to replace what you lose in the day but there are other ways to get the water you need.
Fruits and vegetables contain water, and the best part is the nutritional value they are packed with. It is no coincidence that a watermelon is called watermelon. This fruit is 92% water. Other fruits that have high water content are strawberries, apples, blueberries, bananas and many other fruits. Vegetables that have high water content include cucumbers, celery, tomatoes and spinach which all have above 90% water. Make yourself a fresh juice with mostly vegetables and you’ll get the water you need and some nutrients.
All liquids have water too, some healthier options than others. Milk, among other things, contains up to 95% water. It also a great source of calcium and protein. Drinking tea or coffee is also a way of getting some water along with antioxidants, not the best option, but they are highly consumed drinks.
Flavoured water is not a good alternative as it is packed with sugar. You can however make your own flavoured water by cutting up some fruits or vegetables and putting them in your water for the whole family to enjoy. You can have fun with which ingredients you want to add to your water. For a refreshing mix add mint, cucumber and lemon. For more of a detox add ginger shavings to the mix. For a perfect spring combination add strawberries, kiwi and some blueberries to your water.
There is no medical proof to the benefits of drinking eight glasses of water, but we can definitely be sure that our bodies do need water. Let’s face it, nothing can replace water. Water is your best friend. There is however other ways to quench your thirst for water and receiving great nutrients while doing that.
