Water and its main functions in the human body

Water has many functions in the body. It transports nutrients and other substances. It provides structure and protection. It is needed for numerous chemical reactions. Water also is important for the regulation of body temperature.

Water transports substances

Water bathes the cells of the body and serves as a transport medium to deliver substances to cells and remove wastes. Blood is 90% water. Blood transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones, immune factors, drugs, and other substances to cells. It then carries carbon dioxide and other waste products away from the cells for elimination from the body.

During exercise, the need for oxygen and nutrients at the muscle cells increases, as does the production of wastes. Therefore, the need for water as a transport medium is even more crucial during exercise.

Water provides structure and protection

Water is a part of the structure of a number of molecules, including glycogen and proteins. It also makes up most of the volume of body cells. Muscle is about 75% water and bone is 25% water. Adipose tissue, where fat is stored, is 20% to 35% water. Water helps protect the body by serving as a lubricant and cleanser. Watery tears moisten the eyes and wash away dirt.

Saliva keeps the mouth moist, making it easier to chew and swallow food. Water also protects the body by acting as a cushion. For example, fluids inside the eyeballs and spinal cord act as cushions against shock, and the fluid in our joints cushions and lubricates them during movement.

Water Is Needed for Chemical Reactions

Water is involved in numerous chemical reactions throughout the body. It is the medium for all metabolic reactions. Water is an ideal solvent because the two ends of the water molecule have different electrical charges: One end is positive and one end is negative.

This property allows water to surround other charged molecules and disperse them. For example, table salt consists of a positively charged sodium ion and a negatively charged chloride ion.

When placed in water, the sodium and chloride ions move apart, because the sodium ion is attracted to the negative end of the water molecule and the chloride ion is attracted to the positive end. Water also participates directly in a number of chemical reactions, many of which are involved in energy metabolism. The addition of water to a large molecule can break it into two smaller ones. Likewise, the removal of a water molecule can join two molecules.

Water helps maintain the proper level of acidity in the body. Acid balance is regulated by chemical reactions in body fluids, gas exchange at the lungs, and the filtration and elimination of certain substances by the kidneys. Water plays an important role in each of these. Acid balance is particularly important during exercise.

1. Beans are among the healthiest foods on Earth
Beans are the healthiest food on Earth! Low in fat, rich in fiber, and with a skin full of antioxidants, beans contribute to lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk ...

2. Potatoes and pumkins are very healthy foods if prepared properly
Potatoes The potato is an incredibly healthy food that has gotten a bad reputation, largely because it can be prepared in ways that counteract its benefits. Bak...

3. Sweet potatoes and tomato paste make a delicious and healthy combination
Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Originally from South America, sweet potatoes are now grown all over the world. Ri...

4. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are cancer fighting foods
Broccoli Broccoli is an excellent source of the vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid; beta-carotene; and fiber. It's a good source of the minerals calcium, potassiu...

5. Both cauliflower and celery reduce the risk of some types of cancer
Cauliflower Cauliflower is one of the cruciferous vegetables, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including lung, colon, bre...

6. Health benefits of cucumber and eggplant
Cucumber Cucumbers are more than 95 percent water and nearly 4 percent carbohydrate by weight. They provide vitamins A, C, and K; folate and other B vitamins; c...

7. Jicama and kale are sources of vitamins we need every day
Jicama Jicama is mostly water. It is a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It also contains inulin, which is partly responsible for its swee...

8. Lettuce and mushrooms keep you thin and healthy
Lettuce Almost all of the lettuces are low in calories and high in fiber, and provide vitamins A, C, and K; B vitamins thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, and f...

9. Radishes and rhubarb are rich in fibers and help in digestion
Radishes Radishes, perhaps surprisingly, are yet another cruciferous vegetable. The familiar red, white, or purple radish seen in grocery stores is a spring or ...

10. Swiss chard and tomatoes contain high percentages of healthy minerals
Swiss Chard Swiss chard is a green that is closely related to beets. The same betacyanins and betaxanthins found in beets are found in chard. Swiss chard also c...