Water - The elixir of life

Water is the most abundant substance in our body amounting to 60% of our body weight. It is essential for every body function and keeps the skin soft and smooth. An average adult needs about 6 to 8 glasses of water a day but may vary according to various factors.

For example, we need to drink more water in hot weathers, while exercising and even when we have a fever , cold or other illness. Nursing mothers should also increase their fluid intake to produce milk. Similarly, pregnant mothers need to drink more water to provide for the amniotic fluid. Older people als o need to drink water often as thirst decrease with age.
We also need to increase water intake when we drink tea or coffee as as drinking large amounts of these beverages produces a diuretic effect . Similarly, water intake should be increased when eating salty foods.

Interesting facts about bottled water

* 25% of bottled water is actually filtered tap water.

* Mineral water is often high in sodium.

* Plastic bottles should not be reused as constant washing and reusing accelerates the breakdown of plastic
and increases our exposure to harmful chemicals.

* Bottled water does not contain enough fluoride to protect against cavities.

* Bottled water normally contains small amounts of harmless bacteria but if stored over a long time they can
multiply rapidly and pose health hazards.

Additives - useful or harmful?

Additives are substances that are not found naturally in a food but are added for various reasons. Additives can be of the following types -

1. Preservatives - These are added to prevent food from spoiling.
2. Emulsifiers - These prevent water and fats from seperating.
3. Thickners - They do just what the name suggests. Thicken your curries.
4. Vitamins & minerals - They are added to replace the nutrients that are lost in the processing of food
or to increase its nutritional value.
5. Sweetners - These can be both natural and artificial.
6. Flavorings- To enhance the taste of food.
7. Dyes - To make food more visually appealing.

The majority of food additives are safe as their use is governed by stringent regulations. What is required is a prudent and moderate approach as some additives pose a problem to people with certain medical conditions.

* People with high blood pressure should look out for processed foods containing any form of sodium.
* People with diabetes should look for lactose and other ingredients ending in '-ose'.
* People suffering from asthma should avoid foods containing sulfites as additives.
* Food preserved with nitrtates can cause headaches in some people.

Remember, preserved foods have more additives than fresh foods . Try to consume fresh meat, poultry and fish rather than smoked or preserved meats.Since highly processed foods contain the most additives they should be avoided more for their poor nutritional value rather than for their additives.