Water is one of the seven basic constituents of food (along with fiber, carbohydrate, fat vitamins, proteins and minerals). “All of the body’s important chemical reactions take place in water. It has a vital role in the absorption of nutrients, removal of waste and control of body temperature.”

You probably already knew this. But did you know that dehydration directly affects mental performance and causes tiredness, irritability, reduced alertness and ability to concentrate. People with just a 2% dehydration level report feeling more tired.

Dehydration adversely affects a child’s mental performance. In the Sandwell Children’s Fund project to increase hydration among school children reported that since the beginning of the project, children showed improved concentration level and were less tired and lethargic.

Research has found that drinking water is associated with weight loss independent of diet and activity. Drink water 15-30 minutes before a meal, fills you up and fewer calories are eaten. This is true for obese and normal weight individuals.

A population study of the water and food intake in the United States found that on a daily basis, those who drink water regularly intake 9% fewer calories than those who do not drink water regularly.

If you choose to increase your water intake, you can expect that your body will function much better and properly metabolize the fat you eat.