FOR THE HEALTH OF ALL EU CITIZENS: WATER FROM EVERY SOURCE NEEDS TO BE PROMOTED!

Water is an essential nutrient and plays a key role in the human body. From cells and tissues to vital organs, every system in the body requires water to function. Free of calories, sugar and additives, it is the most natural way to stay hydrated. Learn more from on the health benefits of drinking enough water from Dietician Joan Gandy: Why do we need water?

Each natural mineral water or spring water has its own distinctive taste, a unique set of properties and a specific mineral composition. Consumers can choose their water by taste depending on mineral content and their preference for still or sparkling meeting the growing demand for healthy products which retain their original qualities.

Hydration plays a key role in the prevention of some non-communicable diseases and water helps to maintain good physical and mental performance. Available data suggests, however, that Europeans are not drinking enough and are not meeting EFSA’s guidelines for daily water intake.

The health of European citizens must be our common goal! That is why access to water from every source has to be actively encouraged, because all waters support healthier choices and drinking habits.

Natural mineral waters, spring waters and tap water have all a special role to play. No water should be discriminated against. Making water people’s first choice should always be promoted.

WATER IS AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT FOR HUMAN HEALTH

Water is vital to human life – a critical macronutrient that is often overlooked. 60% of our bodies are water and every organ, tissue and cell in our bodies requires water to function. Without it, we would not survive for more than a few days, and optimal hydration is strongly linked to better long-term health outcomes. Hydration plays a key role in the prevention of some non-communicable diseases and helps to maintain good physical performance and cognition.

Yet statistics show that many Europeans are not adequately hydrated, failing to drink enough water to meet European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations. By intervening to encourage increased water intake, we can have a positive impact on the health of millions of Europeans.

Our factsheet explains the long-term benefits of healthy hydration, the negative health outcomes that can be avoided, and which vulnerable groups are most at risk of under-hydration. 

Adequate hydration helps keep us healthy. So does what we drink. By encouraging increased water intake, we can have a positive impact on the health of millions of Europeans.

POSITIONS AND KNOWLEDGE