Overweight and obesity

Water is the healthiest drink par excellence as it provides great benefits to the body, including hydrating the body, controlling body temperature and eliminating toxins.

This unbeatable gift of nature is the preferred option for meeting our daily fluid intake needs. The ideal amount is estimated at about two litres (6-8 glasses) per day, and is essential for metabolic and physiological functions. It provides a high content of elements such as calcium, magnesium and fluoride, essential for proper functioning of the human body. However, a healthy and balanced diet can also include other types of healthy drinks besides water that provide high energy content and excellent nutritional value.

Carbonated water, containing carbonic acid and dissolved sodium. This type of water is characterized by its slightly bitter taste and does not have calories, just like plain water, so it is ideal for combating being overweight and obesity. This water, thanks to the properties provided by the carbonic acid, stimulates the secretion of gastric juices thereby greatly facilitating the digestion process. However, those suffering from aerophagia or bloating should avoid drinking this and other carbonated drinks, as they all worsen the symptoms of gas and bloating. Those suffering from pathologies such as hypertension should also avoid it.

Fruit juices are beverages that are extracted from plants and are extremely rich in vitamins and nutrients. A balanced diet should include at least five pieces of fruit every day, and therefore juices are an ideal way to incorporate fruit into a healthy diet, whether between meals as a snack or dessert. The more sugar a juice has the more energy it provides, so it is recommended to start the day with banana, pear or grape and beet juice, with a lemon or orange base. Watermelon and cantaloupe have a high water content and when combined with cucumber, tomato, lemon or orange, are a perfect choice to beat the heat. All juices provide lots of water, so any of them is apt for fluid intake. They should be restricted in people with diabetes mellitus, since their sugar contribution is very high.

Infusions, besides containing water, also contain the properties of the plant with which they are made. Their effects including acting as diuretics (such as dandelion), antispasmodic, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety (such as valerian), laxatives and antioxidant properties among others. People with anxiety or insomnia should avoid tea high in caffeine because this stimulates the central nervous system.

For more information visit:

Freshwater
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water

Healthy drinks for kids
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/drink_healthy.html

Human hydration
http://www.europeanhydrationinstitute.org/human_hydration.html

TheWaterChannel
http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/