A FEW FACTS ABOUT WATER
Adequate water consumption is one key to a healthy body. Every living cell in your body depends on it for
nourishment, elimination of waste, insulation, and cooling. Unfortunately, many people do not realize the
importance of adequate fluid intake.
It is recommended that women comsume around 12 cups of total fluid daily and men around 16 cups.
Although beverages are generally the best sources of water, high concentrations of water can also be found in
solid foods. Fruits and vegetables are 75-95% water, meats 50-65%, and breads 35% water. Since around 20%
of fluids come from food, aim for drinking 10 cups of fluid if you are female and 13 cups if you are male.
• Muscle cramps during exercise are frequently the result of too little blood and oxygen circulating to
the muscles due to an inadequate intake of fluid. Without fluids, the body cannot produce the sweat
necessary for evaporative cooling to lower body temperature. Heat stroke, due to dehydration, is caused by
insufficient circulation of blood transporting heat from the muscle to the skin’s surface to
be dissipated.
• Beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate drinks that contain caffeine can actually dehydrate the
body. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and cause the body to lose more fluids through frequent urination.
In fact, within a few hours of drinking a caffeinated beverage, 50% of it will be eliminated out of your body.
• In most situations, plain water is the best thirst quencher. Cool water—about 60°—is best. Not only is it
more palatable at this temperature, but it leaves the stomach more rapidly, and is available to the body sooner.
Athletes who train intensely and continuously for longer than one hour may benefit from drinking a
sports beverage with 4-8% carbohydrate and some electrolytes.
Drink to Your Health
S T U D E N T N U T R I T I O N A W A R E N E S S C A M P A I G N
(Continued)
• The main difference between hard and soft water is their mineral content.
Hard water contains higher concentrations of calcium and magnesium.
Soft water contains more sodium. While many people prefer
soft water, some studies indicate that its consumption on a daily basis
may increase risks for some individuals with high blood pressure or
heart disease. And, soft water more easily dissolves certain metals, like
cadmium and lead from pipes, which can be harmful.
• Purification is the process of filtering water through carbon filters or
boiling it to remove up to 90% of the impurities, such as gases and bacteria.
Hardness and mineral content of water are not affected by water
purification. The white residue that is left behind in boiled water is
usually from calcium and magnesium deposits