Water: The Essential Element of Life and Nutrition
Water is the foundation of all life — vital for hydration, metabolism, and temperature regulation.
What Is Water’s Role in the Body?
Water makes up about **60–70% of the human body** and is essential for all physiological processes. It regulates temperature, transports nutrients, removes waste, and supports every cell’s function.
Composition
- **Chemical Formula:** H₂O
- **Calories:** 0 kcal
- **Macronutrients:** None
- **Electrolytes (trace):** calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium
Health Benefits
- Maintains **hydration and body temperature**.
- Supports **metabolism and digestion**.
- Aids **detoxification** via kidneys and skin.
- Improves **cognitive and physical performance**.
- Promotes **healthy skin and circulation**.
Possible Risks of Imbalance
- **Dehydration** leads to fatigue, headaches, and poor focus.
- **Excessive intake** (water intoxication) may dilute electrolytes.
- Quality concerns: **impurities or contaminants** in untreated water.
Culinary and Daily Uses
- Used for **cooking, steaming, brewing, and hydration**.
- Basis for **soups, broths, coffee, tea, and sauces**.
- Quality of water directly affects **taste and safety of food**.
Summary
Water is the essence of life — indispensable for health, nutrition, and every living process. Staying hydrated is the simplest yet most powerful act for well-being.
- 1. Water
Voda: najvažniji prirodni resurs i osnovni nutrijent neophodan za život; učestvuje u gotovo svim fiziološkim procesima u tijelu.