I get it—people have a negative view of drinking solely from the tap. And that’s fine; that’s just our society. But before anyone goes off about their distaste for drinking anything except flavored beverages, let’s remember that water is ultimately the best option.
Starting with water’s health benefits—it’s the only drink you can’t live without, and since you need to be hydrated (not just “want” to be), you need water more than anything else to keep your body working.
Water regulates your body temperature (by cooling the brain!), keeps your mind working (making sure your brain gets sufficient blood flow), helps your skin stay vital (helping to restore collagen), allows for proper digestion (increasing the pH in your stomach by 8-9 levels of? pH) and keeps all of the organs in your body functioning optimally. People don’t have to go around chugging soda, juice, or any signature beverage when they’re dehydrated (not that these types of drinks shouldn’t be consumed). These drinks we often turn to when we feel dehydrated typically contain either sugar/artificial ingredients, or both. Not only do these drinks make you feel sluggish, and still dehydrated, but they also make you thirstier than before you drank them. In contrast, water keeps you hydrated without making you feel like you’re going to die when your body finally flushes the last of it out.
Then there is the price. Water is commonly free of charge, or at least very low-cost compared to flavored drinks that can cost between six and eight dollars depending on how many ounces of ice and syrup are in them. So, in a world full of price tags, isn’t it refreshing to have the option to choose something that does not charge you for extra value as many drinks do?
As for drinks that are overpriced, many restaurants are heavy handed with their syrups or ice, or use diluted water; making what would have been a simple cup of coffee or tea into something overly sweet and delicious, but not exactly a satisfying experience. Either way, you are not getting what you ordered; rather, you receive a product that tastes better than the original in hopes that you will return and order the same thing, but still won’t necessarily be satisfied with it.
On the contrary, water doesn’t ever fake its identity. It doesn’t change. That refreshing quality that sugary beverages claim to possess, but never actually achieve when we really need something to quench our thirst, is only filled by good old plain water—there isn’t a caffeinated, lemon-flavored, or currently-trending beverage matching it at all!
Choosing to drink water is grounding; it is straightforward and uncomplicated, free of distractions, alternative choices, or marketing gimmicks. Water has become the default option for simply being alive. This is likely why we tend to see water as “too standard,” “too attainable,” and “too little brand recognition;” however, this does not lessen its total greatness.
So here goes: water is the greatest beverage choice. Water may not have the same level of excitement or visual appeal as flavored drinks, but it is the only drink you can depend on every single time!
And frankly, that is worth more than what we give it credit for.