Water benefits your body and wallet
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EmailDuring the hot, hazy days of summer, make water your beverage of choice. It’s easy to find, inexpensive, calorie-free and good for you!
During the hot, hazy days of summer, there is nothing better than a cold glass of water! It’s easy to take this refreshing beverage for granted – after all, it’s usually easy to acquire, relatively inexpensive and free of calories!
Most of us know it’s important to stay hydrated, but have you ever thought about what water does for your body? The Drinking Water Research Foundation (DWRF) provides the following information pertaining to the importance of water in the body:
- Water moistens tissues such as those in the mouth, eyes and nose
- Water protects body organs and tissues
- Water helps prevent constipation
- Water lubricates joints
- Water lessens the burden on kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
- Water helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the body
- Water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
How much water is enough? The United States Department of Agriculture’s Choose MyPlate recommends that you let your thirst be your guide! Although water is an important nutrient, everyone’s needs are different based on various factors such as diet, activity level and age. Most of us get enough water from the foods and beverages we consume during the day. However, if you are physically active, live/work/play in a hot environment, or are an older adult, you may want to increase your water intake to help prevent dehydration.
Water is usually free when you drink it from the tap at home or request it when eating out. Research, along with regulatory requirements for tap water, support Americans with clean, safe drinking water.
Water has no calories. On an average, adults and children consume approximately 400 calories per day with the beverages they drink. It’s easy to do the math and understand why drinking water helps with weight management.
For more information about the health benefits of water, check out these websites:
