Cebu City - Every life form on earth (animals, plants, insects) needs water for survival and human beings are one of its major consumers all throughout the planet. It is the source of life, aside from air. It is one of the most important elements in this world.
The human body is approximately 70% water. It is vital in our everyday life as it will help maintain homeostasis. It also helps regulate temperature and flushes waste products out of the human body. Though water has zero calories and nutrients, it has a very important part or role in nutrition.
- It aids in digestion. Drinking water before, during, and after eating will help break down food easily. As water is the main component of saliva and saliva is the vehicle for enzymes that begin chemically breaking down of foods we chew.
- It aids in nutrient absorption. In addition to the food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins and minerals. As the water softens the food we eat, it will be carried to the small intestine and the major absorption will happen in that area of the body.
- It serves as a means of transportation. Water will help transport nutrients all over the body.
- It helps you lose weight. Before eating, you can always drink water. Water can help to take up space in the stomach leading to a feeling of fullness. When the stomach senses fullness, it then sends a signal to the brain to stop eating.
- It helps fight off illness. Drinking enough water can help prevent certain medical conditions like kidney stones, constipation, and urinary tract infections, as it helps excretes the excess salt in the body and flushes away bacteria in the urinary tract.
Water is indeed essential in our daily life aside from it helping you to cool down during summer. Drinking enough water will help you in your current stage of well-being and improves your overall health. // Nutrition Officer I Armie D. Plando RN
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_water.
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important#digestion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322296#six-reasons-why-drinking-water-may-help-you-lose-weight
