Milk beats water for hydration: Surprising study reveals top drinks

What affects adequate hydration? The composition of the drink is crucial. Experts have found that milk hydrates better than plain water. This is because milk contains lactose, some protein, and fat, which help slow down stomach emptying and maintain hydration for a longer time.

Milk also contains sodium, which acts like a sponge, retaining water in the body and producing less urine.

Research from the University of St. Andrews concludes that skimmed milk is the best hydrating drink.

Skimmed milk topped the list prepared by the Scottish researchers. Oral rehydration solutions and whole milk also made it to the podium.

Notably, plain water ranks much lower on the list. Still, water is in the tenth spot, while carbonated water is in the eleventh. This indicates that water does not hydrate as efficiently. It loses out to Coca-Cola, orange juice, and tea, among others.

However, some drinks hydrate worse than water, such as beer and coffee.

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