After a full-on workout or some hot sun at the beach, what could be better than an ice cold beer? Well, according to a recent U.S. study, those people who get most of their daily liquids from plain water instead of other drinks tend to have healthier diets overall.

Using data from a national health survey of more than 12,000 Americans, researchers found that people who drank more “plain water” tend to eat more fibre, less sugar, and fewer calorie-dense foods. They also found that the diets of people who replenished their fluids by drinking other beverages suffered.

Although the findings do not prove that drinking water makes for healthier eaters, they do suggest a connection—and reason enough encourage people to choose water over beverages.

The government health and nutrition survey ran between 1999 and 2006, and the findings are based on data collected from over 12,000 Americans age 20 and older who took part. On average, respondents got one-third of their daily fluids from water, 48 per cent from other beverages and the rest from food.

In general, the people who drank more water also ate more fibre and less sugar. They also had a lower intake of calorie-dense foods—which is a general marker of a healthier diet.

Calorie density refers to the amount of calories in a food in relation to its weight; fruits and vegetables, for instance, tend to have a low calorie density.

From a purely physiological point of view, people can get their fluid needs replenished from any source. It’s not necessary to drink plain water, but it may be better for you.

How much water should you drink? It’s different for everyone. Despite the popular belief that we need to drink 8 glasses of water per day, healthy adults can let their thirst be their guide. In other words, when you get thirsty, have a drink of water.

Spacelocker: The Happiest Space On Earth

Allan Ross
The Spacelocker Fleet