Milk trumps water for hydration, scientists reveal

At the beginning of September, we are expecting another heatwave—possibly the last of this summer. In light of this, it is worth checking what hydrates best. Some insist that one must regularly drink water on hot days. Scientists from the University of St Andrews in Scotland have challenged these beliefs.

The composition of the beverage plays a very significant role in adequate hydration. Experts have shown that milk is more effective than water because it contains lactose, protein, and fat, which help slow gastric emptying and extend the hydration period.

Milk is also rich in sodium, which acts like a sponge, retaining water in the body and reducing the excreted urine.

Research has shown that skimmed milk is the most effective hydrating beverage. Scientists from the University of St Andrews placed it at the top of their ranking. Apart from milk, oral rehydration solutions and full-fat milk also made it to the podium.

The position of water in the ranking may be surprising. Still water only took the tenth position, and sparkling water – the eleventh.

This shows that water is not the best choice for hydration. It even loses to beverages such as Coca-Cola, orange juice, and tea.

However, some beverages, such as beer and coffee, hydrate the body worse than water.

1. Skimmed milk
2. Oral rehydration solutions
3. Full-fat milk
4. Orange juice
5. Cola
6. Diet cola
7. Iced tea
8. Tea
9. Sports isotonic drink
10. Still water
11. Sparkling water
12. Beer
13. Coffee