Skim milk outshines water: Revealing the surprising rankings of most hydrating drinks

The researchers compared body hydration levels over a period of four hours after consuming various drinks. Results showed that drinks containing small amounts of sugar, fat, or protein retained body hydration more effectively than plain water.

The uncontested king of hydration turned out to be skim milk. In addition to containing small amounts of sugar (lactose), protein, and fat, skim milk also contains sodium - a trace mineral that helps the body retain water, subsequently delaying the need for a bathroom trip.

This newfound knowledge about milk might be useful for people who occasionally lack immediate access to a restroom, as long as they possess high lactose tolerance, of course.

The Complete Ranking of Thirteen Drinks looks like this:

Skimmed milk

Oral rehydration solutions (used in cases of diarrhea and vomiting, available over-the-counter)

Full-fat milk

Orange juice

Coca-Cola

Diet Coca-Cola

Cold tea

Hot tea

Isotonic drinks

Non-carbonated water

Carbonated water

Light beer

Coffee

Coca-Cola a Hydration Solution?

Although the results from the Scottish research may appear revolutionary, they don't suggest that we should abandon water in favor of Coca-Cola. The hydration benefits of carbonated drinks don't negate their harmful health effects. Regular consumption can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cavities, and heart disease.

Therefore, the information that Coca-Cola can hydrate should only be taken as a sign that it could be used to replace water in emergency situations.

As Prof. Ronald Maughan, the author of the aforementioned study states - the key factor for hydration is always the volume of the drink consumed. The more we drink, the faster the absorption of the drink into the bloodstream.