Most of us are aware of how important it is to drink more water every day in order to prevent dehydration. However, water benefits not only the body, but the brain as well. Recent research has revealed that people who drink more water will also experience a boost in their brain performance.

Studies Carried out in the UK

Research undertaken at the University of Westminster and the University of East London revealed that people who drink more water experience better mood and cognitive function than those who do not. Results of the study were published in the journal entitled “Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.” The “water” experiment involved having the study participants complete a series of mental tests after consuming some water with a cereal bar. The “no water” experiment had the participants consume the cereal bars without water.

Improved Reaction Times

Results from the study showed that participant's reaction times were vastly improved after having drunk water. Both experiments required participants to fast from 9 pm the night before test day. A mood scale, a thirst scale and tasks known as the Cambridge Neurophysical Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) were used to assess the test subjects. Areas of the brain such as verbal recognition memory, learning and visual memory were also analysed in order to determine what the water benefits on them would be.

Water Benefits your Mood

Potential symptoms of the beginning stages of dehydration can include people experiencing feelings of tension, confusion and sadness. Study results showed that, in addition to improving cognitive function, people who drink more water will also experience improved moods and emotions. While the bulk of the test results showed improved cognitive performance in those who drink more water, it was also reported that these water benefits did not apply to people who performed complex-rule learning tasks. In this case, people who drank water beforehand actually performed worse than those who didn't.

Studies like these remind us how important it is to remember to drink more water each day. This will help ensure that our skin and bodies are rejuvenated on a regular basis.