For most people, water is the obvious choice when thirst strikes. It is healthy, calorie-free, and easy for the body to process, according to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
However, researchers at the University of St Andrews in Scotland investigated whether other beverages remain in the body longer than water. Their study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In the experiment, 72 healthy men drank one litre of various beverages. Researchers then monitored their urine output over a four-hour period to determine how much fluid the body retained.
Sugar does not always help
The researchers also examined drinks containing sugar, coffee, and alcohol. A high sugar content does not automatically make a beverage better for hydration.
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In fact, excessive amounts of sugar can temporarily draw fluid out of the body.
Coffee performed similarly to water when consumed in moderate amounts, equivalent to around two to three cups of coffee.
Alcohol, on the other hand, has a diuretic effect. The more alcohol a drink contains, the more fluid the body loses.
The best drinks
Skim milk was the most effective beverage for retaining fluid in the body. It was followed by oral rehydration solutions, whole milk, and orange juice.
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One explanation is that milk contains protein, fat, and sodium. These components slow the rate at which fluid leaves the stomach, allowing it to remain in the body for longer.
Water remains an excellent everyday choice. However, during periods of extreme heat, intense exercise, or situations where drinking frequently is not possible, skim milk may help the body retain fluid more effectively, according to the study.
Sources: Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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