Our bodies are comprised of nearly 60% water. Our heart and brain are nearly 75% water and our lungs are close to 85% water. Water is responsible for the regulation of our body temperature, removal of waste, and brain function. Water is an essential part of our everyday health.
How does water help our bodies?
Water is responsible for a variety of bodily functions. From producing saliva and sweat to helping us eliminate waste, nearly every system in our bodies relies on water somehow.
Water helps regulate our mood and the health of our skin- Hydration is key to proper brain function and the health of tissues in our bodies. Keeping hydrated helps avoid headaches, muscle soreness, and joint pain. Hydrated bodies have glowing skin due to increased collagen production.
Water helps boost energy and lose weight- Hydration can help boost your metabolism which helps you generate and burn energy more efficiently. This helps increase your activity level and give you longer lasting energy. Water helps curb your appetite and helps you digest your food. This aids in the absorption of your food and the elimination of waste.
Water helps fight off illness and keep your blood healthy- Water helps defend against certain illnesses and prevents common medical problems like kidney stones, hypertension, constipation, and more. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water helps your blood circulate oxygen throughout your body. This helps your organs and tissues stay healthy.
How much water do we need each day?
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine encourage men to consume 125 ounces of water per day, and women to consume 91 ounces per day. That might seem like a lot, but it’s actually manageable and can come from a variety of sources. There are many free phone apps that help you track your water intake on a daily basis.
Drinking water throughout the day can help you reach your goals. There are also many foods that have high water content which can help you reach your target for the day.
Simple things like eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables (high water content foods) help increase your water intake. Keeping a water bottle filled and handy helps your water consumption too. Making water a staple beverage for every meal will help ensure you get at least 8 or more ounces of water with each meal. Before you know it, you’ll have reached your water needs without much effort. *I do recommend drinking most of your water before and/or an hour after meals – you don’t want to dilute those digestive juices with a lot of water during a meal.
Water is an essential part of everyday health. Our bodies are mostly water as are many whole foods. Drinking water and consuming healthy foods with high water content will help ensure your body stays hydrated and operating at its peak.
[RECIPE] Sweet Potato and Avocado Breakfast “Toast”
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1-2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced ¼” thick (8 slices total)
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
- ½ c. fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 T. fresh lime juice
- 1 t. red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Smoked paprika, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a wire rack inside a large, rimmed baking sheet. Spray rack with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- While the oven is heating, mash the avocadoes in a medium bowl with a fork. Add tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and back pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Arrange the sweet potato slices on the prepared wire rack and place in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until slices are fork-tender, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove from oven and set aside.
- While the sweet potato slices are cooking, heat half the olive oil in a large non-stick sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 4 eggs and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Enjoy!
To Your Health,
Patti
