Water is an essential for human life and overall health. Most drink water without question of its benefits, but it’s valuable to be aware of the contributions to your health to encourage you to drink more of it. Whether you prefer still water, sparkling lemon water, all natural flavored sparkling water, or just appreciate drinking from really cool water bottles, you are sure to reap the benefits of the refreshing drink. Another great aspect of water is the convenience—every shop or corner store is sure to have water for purchase if you forget to pack a bottle for yourself, with various brands like Deerpark brand water or Pure Nestle water. Read on to learn more about why water is so important for your health:

1. Helps to manage weight and reduce sugar intake

If you opt for water instead of sugary drinks throughout the day, it can assist in weight loss and less consumption of sugar. Many pops, juices, and energy drinks are refreshing but incredibly high in calories and sugar. Luckily, water is more refreshing for your body and is zero-calorie, making it the healthiest way to hydrate. Although it might not taste as good as your favorite sweet drinks, you can make water more fun with natural flavors such as a lemon slice, or switch up your still water with some naturally flavored sparkling water.

2. Maintains a normal body temperature

Water helps to regulate a normal body temperature. For example, when participating in vigorous physical activity, the body will perspire and the evaporation of sweat on the surface of the body causes a decrease in heat within the body. Without sweat and the movement of water in your body, you would overheat significantly from any physical activity—this is why it’s so important to stay hydrated as a means of temperature regulation.

3. Digestion aid

Water assists your body in digesting by helping break down the food you consume and allowing nutrients to be absorbed. Your small and large intestines absorb the water you consume and move it to your bloodstream to help with the process of breaking down nutrients. With the large intestine absorbing water, it helps to make your stool softer and in turn prevents constipation.

4. Cushions joints

Synovial fluid, the fluid that directly lubricates your joints, consists primarily of water. Synovial fluid reduces any friction between your joints and also allows your cartilage to maintain its sponginess. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps to produce this fluid; the more synovial fluid, the more shock-absorbing properties and less inflammation you will experience.

5. Assists in getting rid of waste

Drinking enough water allows for proper excretion of waste via sweat, urination, and bowel movements. Adequate amounts of water allow your kidneys to work effectively by removing waste from the bloodstream and keeping the blood vessels running to your kidneys open and filtered. Furthermore, being hydrated can help prevent constipation.

6. Prevents dehydration

Though this may be the most obvious health benefit of water, it is a very important point. If you lose excess fluid for any reason such as being ill, high-intensity exercise, or being in a high heat climate, it is essential that you are drinking enough water, otherwise you will become dehydrated. Dehydration leads to dizziness, headaches, fatigue, or in severe cases it can cause heart injury, urinary and kidney problems, seizures and more. Be sure to drink enough water everyday and if you are losing fluids, drink extra as a means of maintaining body hydration.