“Water no get enemy!” This is one of the many songs by late Fela Kuti (a Nigerian music “god”) I grew up nodding my head to. Yep, guilty! I’m a huge Fela Kuti fan. But it’s funny that it wasn’t until recently that I began to really grab what the lyrics meant; most of which was in Yoruba. In this song, Fela did well to point out how we simply cannot do without water – from the interesting benefits of drinking water to how essential it is for all the other things we need to do to live well.
Why Water?
You’ve probably seen someone in your space (or a totally random person) moving around with a fancy bottle of water. Or maybe it’s an ad you’ve been seeing on TV revolving around fun ways you can get yourself to drink more water without feeling like it’s a task. And it’s all just beginning to seem as though water is the next popular drink (after soft drinks). So you’re left wondering what the farce is about water.
Water is good for the immune system, it helps in flushing out toxins, and in body regulation. While you very well know these, there seems to e something in your head that isn’t satisfied and secretly feels like there could be more to these benefits; more like changing the entire perspective and looking through circles instead of just squares. Your craving is a healthy one actually and is very well justified.
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Here, we’ll explore some of the interesting benefits of drinking water you probably didn’t know.
Some Amazing Benefits Of Tap Water You Didn’t Know
Drinking Water Improves Complexion
Water is important for organ function, and the skin being an organ, is no exception. Since the body is composed of 60% water, it is only reasonable that dehydration would do harm to the skin; leaving your skin dry, tight, and flaky, making it more prone to wrinkling. Drinking enough water helps your body stay hydrated and this increases blood flow to the skin. This can help even out your skin tone and complexion, giving you more glowing skin.
Also, drinking water can help you combat a variety of skin issues including psoriasis and eczema. It does this by helping your digestive system flush out toxins from the body. This, in turn, will improve your complexion for healthy and glowing skin, keeping it soft, moisturized smooth, and youthful.
Relieves Headaches
Hydration has a huge impact on the mind. And drinking water is a very healthy way to stay hydrated. One of the main causes of headaches is dehydration. Since the brain is made up of roughly 80 per cent water, its tissue shrinks when we get dehydrated, causing pain receptors to trigger, hence the headache. This can in turn reduce anxiety and moodiness.
So the next time you feel a headache or are moody or anxious, try a few glasses of water before reaching for a painkiller – and sip the water slowly.
Nourishes Hair
Water works wonders on the hair as a quarter of the weight of our locks is made up of H2O. By drinking enough water, you’re not only promoting healthy hair growth but also ensuring that your tresses will be stronger and glossier. Not to mention, conditions like dandruff and a dry scalp will be kept at bay as water keeps your head – and your hair – happy and hydrated.
Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids
The body mainly utilizes fluids during digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Drinking water helps to ensure your body fluids are kept at a level such that they can perform all of the above functions and keep your body in a healthy working state.
When you’re low on fluids, the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. And unless you are taking medications that make you thirsty, you should listen to those cues and get yourself hydrated by drinking water.
Aids weight loss and maintenance
Water helps control calories. The brain can’t actually tell the difference between hunger and thirst, so often we mistake thirst as a ‘sugar craving’. The next time you feel the need for something sweet, try a glass of water first. While water has no magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher-calorie beverages can certainly help.
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Also, staying hydrated helps with weight maintenance. Drinking water before a meal may cause you to feel full, and therefore promote weight loss by suppressing your appetite.
Prevents Injury
If you find yourself with bad knees, a sore back, or weak joints, water might just be your answer. Lying in between each bone is a tissue called cartilage, which is there to absorb shock in order to protect the joints and bones. Water acts as a lubricant for these joints by keeping the cartilage moist and is, therefore, essential for looking after these areas – especially if you are physically active on a regular basis.
Whitens Teeth
Fluoride is a mineral found in toothpaste that combats cavities and helps prevent tooth decay. Interestingly, water is also a source of fluoride and, although it doesn’t contain large quantities, it’s an effective way to help keep your teeth clean and free of bacteria throughout the day.
Wondering how you can drink more water?
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
- Choose water over sugary drinks.
- If you can’t resist sugary drinks, dilute them with water and ice.
- Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.
- Serve water during meals.
- Set reminders.
- Add flavour to your water.
Did you know about these interesting benefits of drinking water before now? Which of them stood out to you? Kindly share in the comment section. You can add some of the benefits you know but weren’t mentioned too. This should be fun! 🙂
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