Water is the first thing you grab onto to quench your thirst. Consuming water in large volumes every day is necessary for healthy functioning of the body that includes keeping it hydrated. But, it may not be the best drink to fight dehydration in particular. Surprised? Well, at least that's what a recently conducted study claims. The research carried out by a team of scientists from Scotland's St. Andrews University discovered that plain H20 can help in hydrating the body but there are other beverages that may prove helpful. Still water, mineral water and sparkling water are excellent to end the thirst but sweet, fat and protein-rich drinks are more effective in ending dehydration. So if not water then what we should really drink?
The findings of the study that were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2016, say it all depends on how our bodies react to beverages and the volume of the drink dictates the reaction. If you drink in more quantity, it gets absorbed faster in the bloodstream, where it carries out the process of diluting body fluids that further results in hydration. For these reasons, here is the list of beverages that are deemed best for hydration.
1. Skimmed Milk – This is the most hydrating beverage followed by –
2. Oral Rehydrating Solutions
3. Full-Fat Milk
4. Orange Juice
5. Diet Cola
6. Cold Tea
7. Tea
8. Sports Drink
9. Still Water
10. Sparkling Water
11. Lager
12. Coffee
(Also Read: 6 Myths About Milk That You Need to Stop Believing)
Milk is the best drink for hydration
The researchers found milk to be more hydrating than water because of its nutrient composition. It contains more sugar lactose, some protein and some fat. Milk also contains sodium that helps in retaining water in the body.
"This study tells us much of what we already knew: Electrolytes - like sodium and potassium - contribute to better hydration, while calories in beverages result in slower gastric emptying and therefore slower release of urination," CNN quoted Melissa Majumdar, a registered dietitian, personal trainer and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
The research also suggests that beverages with more concentrated sugars, like fruit juice, cola, may not be as hydrating as their lower-sugar counterparts. So, if you have to choose between soda and water for hydration, water may be a better option in this situation.