Clean and clear, refreshing and invigorating, we know instinctively that water is good for us. Yet, many of us have lost touch with water.

Overwhelmed with the wide choice of what to drink, most of it sweetened with sugar, we’ve somehow left the simple, but profound goodness of water behind.

Drinking two or more sugary drinks daily increases the risk of developing diabetes by 24% compared to consuming less than one sugary drink per month.

This was according to a statement issued by the health department in the iLembe district, in celebration of National Nutrition Week (NNW) earlier this month.

The theme of ‘Rethink your drink, choose water’, supports the South African Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG’s).

“Drink lots of clean safe water and use limited sugar, food, and drinks high in sugar,” said Ilembe health spokesperson Bonie Zulu.

She said consumption of sugary drinks has also been significantly associated with an increased risk of heart diseases.

Water constitutes the major portion of the human body (50-70%) and is essential for life.

The main function of water in the body is to regulate the body temperature. Many nutrients, including certain vitamins and minerals, are dissolved in water in the body.

“We need to drink water to enable the body to absorb nutrients from food and transport them around in the body. Water also removes waste products from the body through the kidneys when we urinate,” said Zulu.

NNW 2017 messages were communicated by the Department of Health in all Clinics, Community Health Centers, and Hospitals around ILembe Health District.

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