As we are coming into the warmer months, the consumption of water gets that little bit more important – for training, for health and other bonuses such as keeping you youthful!.  Among our population, not nearly enough of us can claim that we are hydration heroes! In fact, as time goes on, more and more people are tending to go with sports drinks and soft drinks instead of the natural and healthier option of H2O.

How much is enough? 

In terms of “enough”, an average person should consume between 2.5 to 3 litres of water every day (or 10 cups if you want to measure it like that).

A recent study in the UK showed just how vital H2O is and the benefits it has on our body. A journalist from the DailyMail named Sarah Smith, conducted a test where she had to consume 3 litres of water every single day for 28 days. The results were quite outstanding. She managed to lose 2 kilograms and 2 inches off her waist without doing any exercise at all. This, on top of much better looking skin and more energy are just some of the benefits that drinking the correct amount of water can promote.

Why should we drink water?

Not only does water keep you hydrated (and alive!), but it also provides you with a whole host of other benefits – some that might surprise you:

1. It keeps you young: By consuming water, you are preventing your skin from going dry. Through the body’s natural moisturising, you are less likely to develop wrinkles and lines.
2. Drinking water helps you lose weight: Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you’re not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don’t need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently. Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.
3. Drinking water helps you build muscle: Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That’s because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.
4. It makes you smarter: Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your body’s electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.
5. It’s good for your joints: One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible, so that your movements are smooth and pain free.

It is safe to say that you should be doing everything possible to get your required 3 litres a day. Not only is it vital for life, but it puts you on the best possible foundations for a leaner, healthier version of you.  And believe me – I know you all want that!