{"id":234359,"date":"2025-10-30T17:13:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T17:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/234359\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T17:13:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T17:13:11","slug":"water-dethroned-these-5-drinks-hydrate-even-better-according-to-science","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/234359\/","title":{"rendered":"Water dethroned: these 5 drinks hydrate even better, according to science"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is water overrated? Could we really be challenging one of humanity\u2019s oldest assumptions? Maybe not entirely \u2014 but according to new research, water just lost its crown. It\u2019s not the most hydrating drink after all.<\/p>\n

Water: vital, yes \u2014 but not unbeatable<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get one thing straight: no one is denying how essential water is. Nearly all living things depend on it to function and survive \u2014 it\u2019s the foundation of life itself. Still, when we look at the facts, is it really the drink that hydrates us best?<\/p>\n

It seems obvious that the answer would be yes. If you\u2019re thirsty, drink water \u2014 problem <\/a>solved, right? Not so fast. Chemically speaking, the story is a little more complex. The formula H\u2082O refers to distilled water, not the kind we actually drink. Tap and bottled waters contain trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium \u2014 which, as it turns out, make a big difference.<\/p>\n

Our bodies are accustomed to mineral water, but drinking distilled water over time can upset our balance of electrolytes \u2014 the charged minerals that regulate chemical reactions, nerve function, and fluid balance. That\u2019s why the drinks that hydrate best are those rich in electrolytes.<\/p>\n

You might think first of an oral rehydration solution \u2014 those powdered mixes often given to babies after a bout of gastroenteritis. They\u2019re designed to replace lost water, salts, and nutrients, helping the body recover its balance quickly.<\/p>\n

The top five most hydrating drinks<\/p>\n

With an endless array of beverages \u2014 from fruit juices to sports drinks to sodas \u2014 it\u2019s hard to tell which ones actually hydrate best. Since hydration power isn\u2019t listed on labels, researchers at the University of St. Andrews decided to test it scientifically.<\/p>\n

They evaluated how quickly different drinks hydrate the body and how long the effect lasts. The key discovery<\/a>? Drinks that contain small amounts of lactose, protein, or fat help the body retain fluids longer \u2014 because these components slow down how fast water exits the system.<\/p>\n

The results were surprising. Skim milk ranked first, with a Beverage Hydration Index (BHI) of 99%, tying with oral rehydration solutions and whole milk. Orange juice came next, with a BHI of 95%, just edging out water itself.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the ranking:<\/p>\n

Skimmed milk<\/p>\n

Oral rehydration solution (for children, athletes, or seniors)<\/p>\n

Whole milk<\/p>\n

Orange juice<\/p>\n

Water<\/p>\n

Yes, plain water only comes fifth \u2014 though researchers caution that the hydration differences are minor. This doesn\u2019t mean you should start swapping water for milk every day. But for groups like older adults, infants, or people who struggle to drink large amounts of liquid, these alternatives might provide better hydration support.<\/p>\n

In short: water is still life\u2019s essential liquid \u2014 but when it comes to sheer hydration, science says it might not always be number one.<\/p>\n

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