[pull_quote_center]Did you know that water makes up around 70% of an adult body? What is more, 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water. Yet, only 1.1% of all the water on the earth is suitable for drinking.[/pull_quote_center] We sometimes take water absolutely for granted but elsewhere in the world, it is not the same story. 780 million people around the globe do not have access to clean water. And over 3 million people dies, every year, from water related diseases. Quite a sobering thought and here are eight other interesting facts that you may not have known about water:
1 – You can get drunk on water
Water dilutes the sodium levels in the blood. Drinking too much water too fast can lead to an imbalance in the brain. It leads to symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication.
2 – You need water more than you need food
Research showed that we can live without food for about a month. But it is hard to survive without water for less than a week. Hence, fresh, clean water is absolutely vital for human life.
3 – Hot water freezes faster than cold water
Warm water, in certain circumstances, freezes faster than the cold water. A student, Erasto B. Mpemba, proved it by experimenting. And his discovery is now known as the ‘Mpemba effect.
4 – It is easy to become dehydrated
Just a 2% reduction of water in the body can lead to a 20% decrease in physical and mental performance. The average adult needs to drink, at least, eight glasses of water to avoid dehydration.
5 – Lack of water can cause depression and fatigue
The body’s thirst mechanism does not kick in until you are, at least, 1% dehydrated. By then, you could be feeling the effects of mild depression and fatigue. A simple glass of water can often be all that you need to perk yourself up, when you are feeling tired and low.
6 – Most of the earth’s fresh water is underground
Majority of earth’s drinkable water is found underground in aquifers. And what is amazing is that we are drinking today the same water that existed millions of years ago. The earth recycles water for us, so the chances are that your morning glass of water was drunk before.
7 – Water can exist as solid, liquid and gas
Substances can exist in three different states: liquid, solid and gas. However, one single substance on earth, which can naturally exist in all those forms, is water. It can be found as water, water vapor and ice.
8 – Water is the best health tonic available out there
You can of course get water from other food and beverages that you eat or drink. But often, food and drinks contain other ingredients, like salt and caffeine that negate the positive health effects of water. That’s why; there is simply no healthy alternative to drinking your eight glasses of pure water every day.
