Water is the drink that offers our body most benefits, it is the healthiest of drinks as it contains no calories or added sugar. Many diets claim that eating water during meals produces a feeling of satiety that helps dieters consume less food and therefore lose more weight. On the other hand, there are many people who need a small sip of water to facilitate the act of swallowing food. But is it really good to drink during meals? Read this oneHOWTO article and find out if it is bad or good to drink water while eating.
Doctors and nutritionists recommend drinking between 1.5 and 2 litres of water a day for our body to be kept in good condition and properly hydrated. Ideally, consume this amount throughout the day by rationing it. However, most people only drink water just before, during or just after eating, a fact that leads them to wonder what is best.
Several studies carried out by nutritionists show that taking large quantities of water during a meal can promote the dissolution of the gastric juices, whose main function is to remove bacteria from food. This has lead to it being popular knowledge that the intake of water during meals is an act that is harmful to the body. However we must highlight that an inordinate amount of water must be drunk to make this happen; in moderation it does not cause this effect.
On the other hand, nutrition experts say that water helps break down food into small pieces and by doing so helps our body properly absorb the food, acquire all the nutrients and aid digestion. Thus, taking into account both indications we can conclude that the answer is not so much in the drinking but in the amount of water we drink while we eat.
At this point we can say that it is not bad to drink water during meals, what can damage our body is doing so in excessive quantities and without pause. The best practice is two glasses of water, even three, when we eat to ease both the act of swallowing food, the dissolution of nutrients and the subsequent process of digestion. The key is to drink slowly and in small amounts, not all in one go. In this way nothing will happen should we want to drink a little more water.
As for drinking water before and after meals the answer is the same, as long as it is done in a relaxed and moderate manner it will not be harmful to the body. It is important to clarify that water is a liquid that is not fattening as it contains no calories. Finally, note that drinking the recommended daily amount of water following the directions detailed above also prevents liquid retention.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
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