Thought water was best for hydration? Discover the drink that does even better!

Water: fast but not efficient enough

Water is undeniably hydrating. But as Ronald Maughan, Professor at St Andrews Medical School, explains, it's not enough to drink to be properly hydrated. The real question is: how does our body react to what we drink? Water, although quick to enter our bodies, is evacuated fairly quickly through urine. In short, it goes in fast, but comes out just as fast...

The big winner: milk

Who would have thought that this old breakfast companion would come out on top? Milk, with its high protein, lactose and fat content, is far more effective at hydration. And why is that? Thanks to the sodium it contains, which helps retain water in the body by limiting urine production. Yes, milk acts a bit like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture longer than water.

But that's not all! Milk also has a longer-lasting effect on our hydration, because it is digested more slowly. So this action continues long after you've drunk it. So much so that, in the same study, it was revealed that drinks containing a little sugar, fat, or even protein, surpass water in their ability to maintain good hydration.

What about other drinks?

But what about sodas, fruit juices, or even beer? Well, fruit juices and sodas aren't bad per se, but they do provide extra sugars and calories that can work against effective hydration, according to dietician Melissa Majumdar. Given the choice between a soda and a glass of water, the choice seems obvious, doesn't it ;)

As for beer, you may be delighted to learn that it dehydrates less than hard liquor, because it contains much more liquid. But that doesn't mean it's hydrating! Alcohol, in general, increases urine production and leads to dehydration.

What about coffee? Don't rejoice too quickly! If you're a coffee lover, you should know that the amount of caffeine plays an important role. In small quantities, coffee has a hydrating effect similar to that of water. But in large quantities? Then we talk about dehydration...

Caution!

It's important to stress that, despite the benefits of milk and electrolyte-enriched drinks for lasting hydration,water remains the healthiest and most essential beverage for our bodies.

It contains no calories, sugar or additives, making it the ideal choice for maintaining good health over the long term. In fact, systematically replacing water with beverages containing added calories or sugars is not recommended, as it can lead to dietary imbalance and weight gain.

Hydration with water therefore remains essential for regular hydration without undesirable side effects. That's why water should remain your priority, and it's always best to drink it before considering alternatives. The best, as is often the case, is the right balance!

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