Water as a Nutrient

Water, the most vital constituent of the human body. One can last weeks without food, but only days without water. Good and proper hydration is vital for well-being as poor hydration can affect one’s mood, concentration and performance negatively, and has recently also been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases.

What is the Ideal Percentage of Water in Human Body?
Up to 60% of human body is water. Although the actual average percentages of water in the human body depends on gender, age, weight, and activity level. Yet one thing is consistent: Starting at birth, more than half of your body weight is composed of water.

Water forms the basis of digestive juice, blood, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones. When the body can no longer store water, one needs fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces.

Each and every day humans must consume a certain amount of water to survive. Of course, this varies according to various factors, and also by where someone lives. Generally, an adult male need about 3 litres per day while an adult female needs about 2.2 litres per day.

The Water in you as You Age?
People have different percentages of water in their body. And as one age, you need to drink more water. Small Babies have the most, being born at about 78%. By the age of one, the amount drops to about 65%. Talking about adult men, about 60% of their bodies are water. Although, fat tissue does not have as much water as lean tissue. Whereas in adult women, fat makes up more of the body than men, so they have about 55% of their bodies made of water. Thus:

• Children (Babies and kids) have more water (as a percentage) than adults.
• Females have less water than males (as a percentage).
• Some people with more fatty tissue have less water than with less fatty tissue (as a percentage).

Water: As a Vital Nutrient to Life

• Serves as the body’s transportation system – Water serves as the medium by which other nutrients and essential elements and distributed throughout the body.
• Is a lubricant – The presence of water in and around body tissues helps defend the body against shock.
• Body temperature Regulator – Being hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature as body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments.
• Creates Saliva – Water is a main component of saliva. It also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes.
• Keeps skin bright – Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production.

Thus, the unique qualities and properties of water are what make it so important and basic to life.

Over to you:
Water is the most universal substance on our planet. No one can exist without water. By drinking the minimum recommendation of water, you’re helping your body function better and improving your overall health