We all try to stay as hydrated as possible. Drinking water is a great way to do this, but it turns out it’s not the best drink to drink if you want to stay hydrated. Research has shown that a completely different drink is higher on the list of the best hydrating drink. Curious to know which one? Then read on!
Also read: This is the cocktail you want to drink this summer: the Corona Sunrise cocktail
To drink water
It is not so strange that you would think that water provides the best hydration. It is namely recommended everywhere to drink as much water as possible a day. As much as 1.5 to 2 liters. Yet this is not the best hydrating drink for you. Why not? H2O actually flows through your body too quickly and is therefore not made for optimal hydration. Ronald Maughan, a professor at St. Andrews’ School of Medicine, explains in an article of CNN that water lacks nutrients to provide the best hydration. Aha!
Best hydrating drink
Okay, water is not it, then. But what should you drink instead? Maughan says that drinks with a little sugar, fats or proteins are more effective for hydration. If you choose milk, you will get lactose, proteins and fats, among other things. According to Maughan, you will have the effect of hydration for longer, because the moisture is released more slowly. Milk also contains sodium, which retains the water. This means you will have to make fewer visits to the toilet.
Milk and orange juice
The two hydrating drinks that come out on top of water are milk and orange juice. A glass of orange juice does contain some sugar, but it is still said to be more hydrating than water. Be careful not to drink too much of it, because too much sugar is of course not good for you either. Skimmed milk is at the top of the list, followed by whole milk and orange juice. Soft drinks are above diet soft drinks, and (remarkably) only then come cold tea, hot tea and sports drinks. Incidentally, water is still above water with carbonated water, beer and coffee.
Now, don’t write off water right away. Even though it’s less hydrating than you might think, it still has tons of health benefits. Don’t forget about these! If you have a long drive or flight ahead of you, it might be a good idea to start with milk or orange juice and then continue hydrating with water. That way, you kill two birds with one stone.
