WATER
Water is very essential nutrient without which human life cannot survive. More than 70% of the human body is made up of water. Loss of water through sweat, excretion, etc., needs to be replaced with what we eat and more importantly, drink.
FUNCTIONS
- Water is the medium of all body fluids including digestive juices, lymph, blood, urine and perspiration.
- Water is a solvent for the products of digestion, holding them in solution and permitting them to pass through the absorbing walls of the intestinal tract into the blood stream.
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It transports all nutrients to and from different parts of our body.
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It aids the processes of chewing, absorbing, digesting, etc.,
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It acts as a lubricant. Present in and around tissues, it defends our bodies against shock. The brain, eyes and spinal cord are among the body’s sensitive organs cushioned by a protective water layer.
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It regulates body temperature by taking up the heat produced in cellular reactions and distributing it throughout the body.
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It helps purify the system by stimulating the elimination of waste substance and toxins.
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SOURCES
Water to meet the body’s needs is supplies by
- The ingestion of water and beverages
- The performed water in foods
- The water resulting from the oxidation of food stuffs.
| Foods |
Percentage of water |
| Milk |
87 |
| Eggs |
75 |
| Meat |
40 |
| Fruits, vegetables |
70-95 |
| Cereals, ready-to-eat |
1-5 |
| Cereals, cooked |
80-88 |
| Breads |
35 |
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Daily losses of water
The daily losses of water include
| Daily losses of water |
ml |
| Faeces |
100-200 |
| Urine |
1000-1500 |
| Lungs |
250-400 |
| Insensible perspiration |
400-600 |
| Visible perspiration |
None to 10,000 |
REQUIREMENTS
It is recommended that at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. 8-10 glasses of water a day can significantly ease joint and back pain. |
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Source
Robinson,C.N and Lawler, M.R 16 Edition. Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co, Delhi. |
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