What would we do without water? Do you remember when you used to play all day long and come home at dusk? The first thing that you would do is gulp downmany glasses of water. Oh! What we dowithout water?

It has been called many things- the cradle of life; the basis of evolution; the elixir of life. And it deserves each of these titles; for we would be dead without it.

Water is a simple combination of two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen. More than 85% of human body is made of water. One can remain hungry for many days but when the thirst gets hold of you, you can kiss your life goodbye, unless you have some source of water.

The benefits of drinking water are many. First, it keeps you alive. Jokes apart, it is credited with keeping the body hydrated. Doctors suggest 8-10 glasses of this fluid every day. But lest you carry your enthusiasm too far; a word of caution. More doesn't seem merrier in this case. Too much of water is harmful. It will wash away useful minerals and salts.

Have you ever noticed that when your skin s feeling dry and itchy; and you wash it with water or just splash some of it, your epidermal layer feels supple and happy again. The credit goes to this 'everywhere available commodity'. Drinking sufficient amounts of water reduces skin infections like acne. Or those of us who constantly struggle with the weighing scales, try drinking some water. The battle will become easier.Diabetics and people suffering from gastric troubles are always advised the requisite amounts of water. Feeling low about life? You know what we will suggest!

Water is also prescribed for insect bites. If you are ever bitten by a wasp or a honeybee, before raising the alarm, gulp down some water. Your swelling will reduce considerably. At nights, many of us are harassed by the most horrible of parasites. I am talking about mosquitoes. If the bites become too many and the itching does not stop, put some salt in a bucket or a glass of water and rub this on the bites. Instant relief is what it will offer.

We take this liquid for granted if you ask my opinion. Talk about multitasking!!

Pulkit Singh

B.A (Journo, Psy & Eng)