Water, also known as H₂O, is made up of two (2) hydrogen (H) molecules and one (1) oxygen molecule. As defined by the Merriam-Webster, it is a major constituent of all living matter and that when pure is an odorless, tasteless, very slightly compressible liquid oxide of hydrogen which appears bluish in thick layers, freezes at 0° C and boils at 100° C, has a maximum density at 4° C, has a high heat capacity, is a poor conductor of electricity and a universal solvent.

Water looks very simple yet contributes a lot to the human body. Continue reading as I discuss to you the functions of water in the body. Specifically, a) it is the way of transportation of nutrients and wastes to move between cells, tissues and organs, b) it carries waste materials out of the body through the urine, c) it has heating capability which regulates the internal temperature of the body in response to the external temperature d) it has cooling ability which produces sweat that cools down the body through evaporation, e) it dissolves most of the biologically important molecules in the body such as glucose, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, f) it maintains the pH (acid-base) balance to keep our body as its optimal state, and lastly g) it is part of mostly all the body fluids which are essential for shock absorption, lubrication, cleansing and protection.

Let us not underestimate the power of water! Water is an underrated molecule that people do not appreciate its physical and chemical properties. Remember that without water, body functions will not work well as planned. We need to take at least eight (8) glasses of water a day because water cannot be stored in the body and our body cannot produce large amount of it. Water is released in our body through urine, feces, evaporation (from the lungs) and perspiration or sweating. Water may not be as attractive for you, but it will surely help your body processes. Quench your Thirst… Drink Water!  (NKSLoyola)

Source:

Insel,  P., Ross, D., McMahon, K. & Bernstein, M. (2017) Nutrition Sixth Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning