Nobody lives without water. It is indispensable for human life and our body is mostly composed of this substance. The formula is simple: a water molecule is made by bonding two atoms of hydrogen to one of oxygen: H20. Even so, there are so many types of water on the market that the consumer is often confused. We will talk about that and benefits of drinking enough water as well.
- The benefits of drinking water
- The existing types of water
- The path of water in our body
The benefits of drinking water
As 70% of our body is made up of water, staying hydrated is essential for the correct functioning of the functions of our entire organism. The Ministry of Health states in its Food Guide for the Brazilian Population that adults should consume an average of approximately 2 liters of water daily, although the ideal amount varies according to a person’s age and weight.
To extract the full benefits of hydration, it is essential to ensure that you are consuming water in the healthiest way possible. That is: drinking the pure liquid, flavored with fruits, in teas, natural juices, or even through fruits. Studies have proven that water provides various benefits for the body, such as:
- Regulates body temperature
- Helps in detoxifying the body
- Helps absorb nutrients from other foods
- Leaves the skin more beautiful and hydrated
- Helps in cell metabolism, contributing to weight loss
- Prevents the appearance of kidney stones
- Improves blood circulation
- Facilitates digestion of meals
The existing types of water
Water in nature exists in different types and is differentiated based on its place of origin. We explain here which types of water are suitable for human consumption.
Potable drinking water
It is the type of water we can consume and it is distributed through our taps. Water undergoes treatment and people mainly obtain it from streams or springs. Someone needs to collect drinking water from a clean source and subject it to a treatment process to characterize it as free of impurities.
Mineral drinking water
It is the type that has the highest amount of minerals in its composition. Manufacturers can artificially mineralize commercialized sources of water by adding dissolved ores and other chemical species during preparation, even though these sources can also come from a natural source. Natural mineral water usually passes through several paths and deep regions.
Freshwater
Freshwater is found in rivers and lakes, but it cannot be consumed immediately. Before, you need to go through a process of filtering bacteria, either through boiling or another treatment method.
Filtered water
Filtered water goes through a series of processes to remove dirt and impurities. Filtering can make consumption of all the types of water mentioned above even safer.
The path of water in our body
Water has its journey inside the human body. This path begins at the moment when our brain tells us it needs water, when we feel thirsty, and goes from ingestion, from the mouth to the small intestine, passing through the esophagus and stomach.
After you consume water, your body distributes it throughout your organism because it’s unable to store water. A glass of water takes around 30 to 60 minutes to go all the way, leaving a little of its formula in the blood, which will spread its benefits to all organs and muscles.
Remember to stay well hydrated during the day, especially if you do a lot of activities that keep your body moving and with constant fluid loss. Otherwise, always have a glass or bottle of water on hand and drink whenever you feel thirsty. You will notice benefits throughout your body, from improved skin to better sports performance, when you take care of it.
