Drinking water has always been associated with improved health. From helping the skin look soft and supple to keeping the kidneys functioning at an optimal level, proper hydration plays a vital role in keeping the body in top shape. But did you know that a study in 2012 revealed that water can actually make you smarter?
The study was led by Dr. Chris Pawson at the University of East London and was reported on at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in London
Over the course of the study, researchers observed a total of 447 undergraduate students in an exam environment. Taking note of which students drank water during the exam, researchers were able to determine that students who drank water improved their scores by up to 10% and performed an average of 5% better than students who did not drink any water.
A year later in 2013, Dr. Caroline Edmonds concluded in a study which was published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience that adults tend to have better concentration and perform better on mental tests when they drink water.
The participants were then given a reaction test, where they had to press a button as soon as they saw something pop up on a computer screen. When the participants were given water, their reaction times were 14 percent faster.
But why is this the case? According to health experts, drinking water does not add points to your IQ but rather, it increases cognitive functions. When you drink plenty of water, the brain gets all the oxygen it needs which optimises the way it works.
Moreover, proper hydration also supports nerve function. This means your body’s electrolyte levels remain at high levels which allows nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in an efficient manner.
So if you’re looking for a quick mental boost, grab that cup of water and start gulping!