Why water?
Water, tasteless, colourless, odourless,
we cannot determine you, we taste you, yet you remain unknown.
You are not needed for life: you are life.
(G. Sauvage de Saint Marc)
DO WE NEED?
Almost every one of us has at some point experienced severe thirst (for instance, having no water in the car, while travelling, etc.). At that time, a person can think of nothing but water – is that not so? Thus it is probably rather pointless to explain the importance of water for our body.
However, let us state one interesting fact that in itself says a lot: we can go without food for as long as 45 to 65 days, but without water for only 9 to 10 days! This means that water is life!
The recommended water intake per day on average is 2–2.5 litres (from both drinks and food). This can be illustrated with the following calculation: in one year, we drink approximately 1825 glasses of water. During greater physical effort, we lose more water and the need for water increases significantly.
An illustrative example: during a one-hour run in the summer, we can lose about 1.8 litres of water in sweat. Therefore, it is certainly important what kind of water we drink!
Water takes part in practically all the processes in the body, as it accounts for more than 60% of the body mass. Unfortunately, our body does not store spare water, which is why a regular intake is needed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the scientifically established impact of water on health, namely water contributes to maintaining normal physical and cognitive functions and to the normal regulation of body temperature.
If there is not enough water in the body, this may soon be reflected in signs such as thirst, headache and nausea, which all escalate significantly over time. By the time we feel thirsty, we are already late – the body has already “turned on the yellow light”, so it is important that we drink water regularly.
Almost every one of us has at some point experienced severe thirst (for instance, having no water in the car, while travelling, etc.). At that time, a person can think of nothing but water – is that not so? Thus it is probably rather pointless to explain the importance of water for our body.
However, let us state one interesting fact that in itself says a lot: we can go without food for as long as 45 to 65 days, but without water for only 9 to 10 days! This means that water is life!
DO WE NEED?
The recommended water intake per day on average is 2–2.5 litres (from both drinks and food). This can be illustrated with the following calculation: in one year, we drink approximately 1825 glasses of water. During greater physical effort, we lose more water and the need for water increases significantly.
An illustrative example: during a one-hour run in the summer, we can lose about 1.8 litres of water in sweat. Therefore, it is certainly important what kind of water we drink!
Water takes part in practically all the processes in the body, as it accounts for more than 60% of the body mass. Unfortunately, our body does not store spare water, which is why a regular intake is needed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed the scientifically established impact of water on health, namely water contributes to maintaining normal physical and cognitive functions and to the normal regulation of body temperature.
If there is not enough water in the body, this may soon be reflected in signs such as thirst, headache and nausea, which all escalate significantly over time. By the time we feel thirsty, we are already late – the body has already “turned on the yellow light”, so it is important that we drink water regularly.
Water and cells
The impact of water on living organisms and cells is well illustrated by the biological tests used to determine the effect of water on cells. Any damage to the cells and their substance is analysed. This determines the degree of genotoxicity of water and is used to assess the health risk. The Allium metaphase genotoxicity test is used to test drinking water, environmental samples and chemicals.
For over a decade, testing the genotoxicity level with the Allium test has been carried out on Dana natural mineral water in an external independent laboratory.
Dana is the first Slovenian water to undergo constant biological tests of safety to health that indicate the overall impact of water on the growth and development of living cells or organisms.
*The Allium metaphase genotoxicity test is used to test drinking water, environmental samples and chemicals. The test was carried out between 14 June and 19 April 2014 at the Applied Cytogenetics Laboratory in Domžale.
What about thirst?
We only appreciate water when the well dries up.
(Slovenian proverb)
NO CALORIES
NO SUGAR
NO ADDITIVES
Thirst is our body calling for water. It is best to replace the daily loss of water with water and not drinks that contain other ingredients (sugar and similar), as these could additionally burden the body. Research has shown that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by 45 percent and the risk of bladder cancer by 50 percent if you drink at least five glasses of water each day.
Water has no energy value and no calories. When we are thirsty, it provides a source of hydration without additional calorie intake, which is often excessive! Very often, we confuse hunger for thirst.
It is advisable to drink a glass of water 30 to 15 minutes before a meal. That way, our body is supplied with liquid and we feel a little full, so we eat less.
Naturally, water contains no sugar. Nowadays, we hear alarming data about the percentage of overweight people and the high rates of diabetes, especially in children.
Water as a nutrient therefore plays an increasingly important role in ensuring public health.
Water is free from additives and contains no chemical additives. The only exception is tap water, which usually contains residues of disinfectants (chlorine, chlorine dioxide, etc.), while natural mineral water does not contain any additives, only the water that is naturally located deep in the Earth.
Thirst is our body calling for water. It is best to replace the daily loss of water with water and not drinks that contain other ingredients (sugar and similar), as these could additionally burden the body. Research has shown that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by 45 percent and the risk of bladder cancer by 50 percent if you drink at least five glasses of water each day.
NO CALORIES
Water has no energy value and no calories. When we are thirsty, it provides a source of hydration without additional calorie intake, which is often excessive! Very often, we confuse hunger for thirst.
It is advisable to drink a glass of water 30 to 15 minutes before a meal. That way, our body is supplied with liquid and we feel a little full, so we eat less.
NO SUGAR
Naturally, water contains no sugar. Nowadays, we hear alarming data about the percentage of overweight people and the high rates of diabetes, especially in children.
Water as a nutrient therefore plays an increasingly important role in ensuring public health.
NO ADDITIVES
Water is free from additives and contains no chemical additives. The only exception is tap water, which usually contains residues of disinfectants (chlorine, chlorine dioxide, etc.), while natural mineral water does not contain any additives, only the water that is naturally located deep in the Earth.
Water is not just H2O
Water is never so clear that it cannot be made murky and never so murky that it cannot be cleared.
(Slovenian proverb)
WATER CONTAINS MINERALS
Clean water is odourless and tasteless. A water molecule contains only two elements, namely hydrogen and oxygen. However, in nature, water cannot be found in its pure chemical state, as it contains various substances, such as dissolved gases, inorganic and organic substances, etc.
The composition of water changes during its circulation in nature. In nature, water as a good natural solvent dissolves rocks during its “journey”. That is why, in addition to the basic molecule, it also contains minerals that it has dissolved on its way. These minerals, however, vary greatly.
