Water intake and cholesterol levels
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Water Intake and Cholesterol Levels: Key Findings
Water Intake and Lipid Profiles in Adults
Several studies show that increasing daily water intake, especially by replacing sugary beverages with water, can improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiometabolic risk. Consuming about 1 liter per day of mineral water—regardless of its mineral content—has been linked to reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in adults with elevated cholesterol levels. These improvements are likely due to both the direct effects of water and the reduction in soft drink and juice consumption when water is used as a replacement 127.
Effects of Mineral and Carbonated Waters
Drinking sodium-bicarbonated or carbonated mineral water has shown specific benefits. In young adults and postmenopausal women with moderate hypercholesterolemia, these types of water led to significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and in some cases, increases in HDL cholesterol. These changes contribute to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Notably, these benefits were observed without significant changes in body weight, BMI, or blood pressure 24.
Hydrogen-Rich Water and Lipid Function
Hydrogen-rich water has also demonstrated positive effects on cholesterol levels. In patients with potential metabolic syndrome, drinking hydrogen-rich water for 10 weeks resulted in lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as improved HDL function and reduced oxidative stress. This suggests a potential role for hydrogen-rich water in managing dyslipidemia and preventing metabolic syndrome .
Water Intake and Cholesterol in Older Adults
In older adults, higher total water intake and better hydration status are associated with higher HDL cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. Conversely, markers of underhydration are linked to higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol. These findings support the idea that adequate hydration is important for maintaining a healthy lipid profile in older populations .
Water Consumption and Cholesterol in Children
Among children, higher water intake per kilogram of body weight is associated with lower BMI, body fat, insulin levels, and blood pressure, as well as higher HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Overweight and obese children tend to drink less water than their normal-weight peers, highlighting the importance of water intake for metabolic health in childhood .
Amount of Water Intake and Cardiovascular Markers
Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day may be more effective than lower amounts for increasing HDL cholesterol and reducing inflammation, as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This suggests that higher water intake could help reduce cardiovascular risk in healthy adults .
Short-Term Water Intake and Cholesterol Testing
Short-term water intake (e.g., 300 mL one hour before blood tests) does not cause clinically significant changes in cholesterol or other lipid markers, indicating that normal water consumption before blood tests is unlikely to affect results .
Conclusion
Overall, research consistently shows that higher water intake—especially when it replaces sugary drinks—can improve cholesterol profiles by lowering total and LDL cholesterol and, in some cases, increasing HDL cholesterol. These benefits are seen across different age groups and types of water, including mineral, carbonated, and hydrogen-rich waters. Maintaining adequate hydration is a simple and effective strategy to support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce cardiometabolic risk 12345679.
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