It's free, it's refreshing and does wonders for our body - yet the majority of us don't drink enough of it.
A study has found that Britons drink 29.4 billion cups of tea, 13.1 billion cups of coffee and 16.4 billion glasses of squash, juice and fizzy drinks but only 12.4 billion glasses of water.
These make for pretty concerning stats when we consider that our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water which helps us transport nutrients, digest food and keep our body temperature in check. Check out our 5 reasons to drink more water.
1. Being dehydrated can be as bad for you as being drunk
We all know the dangers of drink driving but a recent study at Loughborough University showed drivers who drank a couple of sips of water an hour, instead of the recommended 200ml (a third of a pint), made twice the number of mistakes as those who were well-hydrated.
2. It can increase your energy
When we're sweating it out in the gym, our muscles are losing water - which is why they get tired. If you're flagging, start sipping.
3. It can combat tiredness
Step away from the coffee - tiredness is a warning sign of dehydration, so next time you're feeling sleepy grab a glass.
4. It can help prevent weight gain
Humans have a weakened response to thirst, which means that a lot of time when we think we're hungry, we're actually thirsty. When hunger strikes, grab a glass of water first to ensure you're not just in need of a good dose of hydration.
5. It gets rid of toxins
It's vital to drink enough water in order for our body to function normally. Water helps flush out toxins and waste from the body and transport nutrients to where they are needed.
Want to find out how much water you should be sipping a day? Check out this hydration calculator!
