Benefits of Drinking Water: 3 Things You Should Know

Perhaps it goes to show the times we live in that we are wondering about the benefits of drinking water. Isn't it just obvious we need water? All the same, let's take a closer look.

75% of your body is water and 90% of your brain. I'm sure you've heard that before, but doesn't that tell you something? Keep a glass of water handy, there's nothing that can replace it.

Drinking other liquids: soda, lemonade or tea, it's not the same thing at all, you know that. What do you usually reach for when you want a drink? Water will have an immediate great effect.

Drink before you feel thirsty, I'm sure you've heard that. It's only after dehydration affects your cells that you start to feel thirsty. Think to drink.

This one ingredient cannot be left out if you want the full health recipe. What is not affected by water? Your blood moves the oxygen and needs water, water helps you heal from injuries and in cleansing and detoxification. Your body runs on water - improving your digestion and even sexual performance.

Now for the 3 vital things you need to do to enjoy the benefits of drinking water.

1. -- The amount is essential, 8 to 10 glasses a day is considered the minimum. A bit more accurate is to take half your weight and drink that many ounces. If you are active or live in hot climates, you need more.

2. -- The second thing is the frequency. Ideally, you want to be adding water to match your body's use throughout the day. Have a glass handy so you can pace yourself and drink before and during when you're especially active.

3. -- To complete the picture, you have to consider the quality of water. All water is not the same. Tap water has so many toxins these days, prescription medications and chlorine. The chlorine alone increases your chances of getting cancer by 93% over your lifetime, according to the EPA.

Bottled water isn't always good either. A recent study revealed roughly one-third of bottled water did not meet even the tap water standards. But even if the water starts out good, the plastic from the bottle leaches into the water in just 2 weeks on the grocer's shelf.

So much more to cover on this crucial subject. For now, the benefits of drinking water can be yours if you make sure you drink healthy water.