Besides water being necessary for survival, drinking water cuts hunger and creates a feeling of fullness. Furthermore, consuming water also has the benefit of increasing metabolic rate and burning more calories.
The Studies
Researchers have found that consuming 500mL of water increased the subjects’ resting metabolic rate by 25 percent and that means an extra 20 calories for 60 minutes.
Water increases calorie burning by diluting the blood going to the liver and by turning on the SNS (sympathetic nervous system).
The cells in the body have very sensitive methods for regulating fluids in the blood and intra- and inter- cellular fluid. Intake of water activated this system and this increases the expenditure of energy.
Something you should know
It is important to note however, that drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia (sodium concentration falling below a required amount) and this can be dangerous. The study, though interesting, is not an indication that consuming excessive amounts of water is either recommended or effective in weight control. That’s not to say, however, that water consumption isn’t important in a healthy lifestyle as we all know.
References:
Journal Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism, 92: 3334-3337, 2007.
