13 Surprising Benefits of Water

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Helps Prevent Colds

Washing your hands regularly with soap and lukewarm water is the best way to stave off germs that can make you sick. But hand hygiene doesn't stop when the faucet turns off. Drying hands properly is essential, too, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, which found that even slightly damp hands can increase the spread of bacteria. Be sure to dry hands thoroughly, and if you're using an electric air dryer, don't rub your hands together. The same study found that this action could actually increase the growth of bacteria.

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