eat your water

We’ve all been told to drink water as much as possible – to keep the body hydrated, to help us feel full, and to cleanse the system. But when it comes to being healthy, we should be eating our water, say researchers at the Japan Dietetic Students’ Study for Nutrition and Biomarkers Group.

According to the paper, published this month in the Nutrition Journal, water keeps us satiated and helps us to not eat further, which could help to prevent obesity.

But when examining the differences between the sample group intaking water through beverages and the group intaking water primarily through food, they found the water/food group had lower body mass index and waist circumference.

The sample group included over 1100 female Japanese students between 18-22. Their intake was monitored through a validated diet-history questionnaire.

The researchers suggest that intake of water from foods is therefore independently associated with lower BMI and waist circumference in those choosing their own diets.

While the abstract does not specify which foods the group ate that were high in water, fruits and vegetables are known to be high in water and fiber, thus helping us to feel fuller – sooner and longer.

Soups are also known to fill us up, prompting some to promote eating a soup at the beginning of meals. Dr Barbara Rolls told Consumer Reports recently, "Eat a salad or bowl of broth- based soup before the meal to reduce intake at the meal”.

While my goal is not for us to eat less, it is for us to feel full and healthy. Seems like water is the way to go – just not out of a bottle.