8 Curiosities About Water That Will Surprise You
If you think you already know everything about water, read our new article and you will be surprised!
Water is such a widespread element on Earth that we often take it totally for granted. Yet, it seems incredible to think that water is always around us (in solid, liquid or gaseous form) and, even, it is an indispensable component of our body!
However, we do not always remember to consume water to drink in the correct way, as the apparent “banality” of this liquid could prevent us from understanding its true importance. To rediscover this element and all its advantages, here are 8 curiosities about water that not everyone knows.
Our Planet Is Made Up Almost Entirely of Water
Our planet is called Earth, but this fact might seem almost nonsense as 70% of it is made up of water! In particular, about 96% of this value is due to the presence of salt water from the oceans, while another 1.7% cannot be used as it solidifies into ice at the two Poles.
68% of the water we consider drinkable is found in smaller glaciers, such as those present on mountain ranges, while about 30% is what we can find on land and which is used for distribution in aqueducts. Although, proportionally, only a small part of the Earth’s water is drinkable, 100% of it is a source of life, no matter how salty, icy or hot. Incredible, isn’t it?
Water Is an Unstoppable Solvent
When it comes to dissolving a substance, water is unrivaled. It may seem strange, but it has a power even higher than that of sulfuric acid which, not surprisingly, can dissolve in case of contact. Of course this does not mean that water burns our tissues, but it is enough to observe its action on the rocks to understand its power: several mountain ranges still bear the signs of the action of this formidable liquid.
Food Preparation Would Not Be Possible Without Water
Do you prefer a mug of beer over a glass of water? You must know that it takes more than 100 liters of water to process and produce 1 liter of beer. Not only that: to treat the coffee beans needed for a single can it is necessary to use 200 liters of water, which becomes 15000 for 1 kg of beef!
If after these figures you prefer to make yourself a sandwich, know that for two slices of bread 100 liters of water are used, plus another 65 for the cheese. In short, whatever you want to consume you are indirectly using water.
Our Body Is Water
You don’t need to go very far to understand the importance of water: just look at our body. At birth, a newborn will consist of 75% water, and over the years this percentage will gradually decrease and then stop at 65%. However, it is a very high value compared to the rest of the substances present in the human body, and this also has repercussions on our well-being. For example, it is possible to survive a week without drinking, while it is possible to survive up to 30 days without food. This is why it is so important to stay hydrated!
Water Makes You Smarter
It is not always necessary to fill up with supplements to get a better performance on studies or at work: very often it is enough to drink an adequate amount of water. Our brain is made up of 70% of this liquid, and for this reason it needs constant renewal in order not to suffer a decrease in performance.
Drinking water has been shown to aid concentration and make brain activity more lively, with an increase in intellectual abilities by 14%. Furthermore, it is an excellent solution to avoid fatigue, listlessness and to increase the sense of satiety between meals.
Water Decreases the Risk of Contracting Diseases
Among the many benefits of water we cannot forget the ability to prevent diseases of all kinds. This also includes problems with the heart, bones and teeth, as the fluids in our body have the task of expelling harmful toxins which, in case of dehydration, would find free field.
For example, water is one of the ingredients for perfect teeth: keeping the mouth hydrated helps to form saliva and to spray teeth and gums, decreasing the risk of developing cavities, canker sores and abscesses.
Drinking Water Helps You Look Younger
Water behaves like a real prodigious “elixir” also with regard to skin and hair. With proper hydration it is possible to obtain more elastic fabrics, reduce impurities and make the complexion brighter, while the hair can be strengthened and shiny.
These beneficial effects are linked to drinking water, but often just think of thermal waters, which thanks to the presence of specific mineral salts allow to relax the body and revitalize the tissues. Indeed, in some establishments it is also recommended to consume thermal water, perhaps at a warmer temperature than usual to benefit from absorption in the body.
Water Helps Stem Depression and Mood Swings
The well-being given by water plays a very important role also for what concerns the psychological aspect. In the absence of proper hydration, humans can experience serious mood imbalances, with even more serious consequences in the presence of previous pathologies.
Drinking water in the recommended amount can reduce any feelings of exhaustion, helping to stem the damage caused by mood swings.
