Why isn't water the best drink for hydration?! When temperatures soar above thirty degrees, we frantically chase after bottles of water as if they were the elixir of life. But suddenly, a surprising announcement comes from the laboratories - a simple glass of milk may offer you better, longer-lasting hydration. It sounds almost like a children's fairy tale (or a mother's warning), but the scientific data is clear: milk is a real "hydration bomb".
Why water is not the best drink for hydration? Researchers have developed Body Hydration Index (BHI), which measures how much fluid the body retains in four hours after ingestionThey compared thirteen beverages – from water to soda – and the winner was clear: both whole and skimmed milk It holds more fluid than water. The result? When we want to consign chronic dehydration to history, a glass of milk allows our body to “fall into it” and say, “Thanks, I want to stay here for a long time.”
Electrolytes and macronutrients: the perfect symphony
Why isn't water the best drink for hydration?! Milk is not just water with flavor and added inspiration. It contains natural electrolytes – sodium, potassium, calcium – which we lose faster when sweating profusely than keys before going on vacation. These minerals ensure the balance of fluids in the cells, while lactose, proteins and fats slow down stomach emptying.
- Sodium and potassium: like a secret team to control blood pressure and muscle spasms.
- Proteins: as much as 8 g of high-quality muscle building blocks per glass.
- Fats: they slightly slow down absorption so that the hydration secretion lasts longer.
Milk as a “sports drink” without marketing
Conventional sports drinks offer sugar and electrolytes, mostly without the building blocks for muscles. Milk is the real deal. whole package: a combination of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins (D, B12) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus). And if you want a little more chocolate ecstasy, chocolate milk adds extra carbohydrates to restore energy - without the pigment of "artificially" colored plastic bottles.
Which milk to choose?
- Skimmed milk: a lighter hydration reserve, with a full dose of electrolytes and protein, but without excess fats that would slow down hydration too much.
- Whole milk: a “slow-release” version for those who aren’t afraid of a little more fat – for a truly long-lasting effect.
- Plant-based alternatives (almond, oat): although water-based, they lack the natural electrolyte richness of cow's milk, unless they are additionally fortified. Otherwise, the "tricky" plant-based alternative does not always hide secret minerals.
Conclusion: Why isn't water the best drink for hydration?
Water will remain the building block of a healthy lifestyle, but when it comes time to a quick, scientifically-backed hydration “upgrade” – in the summer, after intensive training or when we feel “dry” – plain milk is the quietly shining hero. The next time you think of water during a heat wave, grab a glass of milk and let it surprise you. Why isn’t water the best drink for hydration? Because milk exists!
