However, the common debate raging for years has been
over what the right temperature for optimal hydration is. In this article,
we're going to address the issue of what temperature of the water is best for an
individual: COLD OR HOT.
A good number of persons are of the opinion that
drinking cold water is a bad habit that can actually harm your long-term
health. This belief is based on the idea that drinking cold water contracts
your stomach, making it harder to digest food after a meal and could lead to
the freezing and storing of fat in one's body. A few others are of the opinion
that the human body would need to be warm and may have to work harder to
maintain its regular temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) if one constantly consumes
cold water, while others are also of the opinion that hot water help melt or
burn body fat.
Whichever of the two schools of thought you fall
into, here are some undeniable facts and benefits of both types?
BENEFITS OF COLD WATER:
One amazing benefit of cold water is that it helps
combat heat stroke. In hot weather conditions, the body temperature tends to
rise or increase faster, drinking cold water during this period is good for
one's health as cold water gets absorbed quickly by the body compared to hot
water. A glass of cold water would help get your body temperature regulated to
its normal state.
Coldwater also aids weight loss – The key principle
behind losing weight is to boost your metabolism that in turn burns more
calories. Drinking cold water and even having cold water baths boosts your
metabolism thus improving your chances of losing excess fat or calories.
Drinking cold water, no matter the temperature has
been proven to give your body more energy throughout the day.
BENEFITS OF HOT WATER:
Although drinking water of any temperature can
support overall wellbeing, drinking hot water is also thought to provide a
range of additional health benefits.
Hot water aids and improves digestion. According to
Ayurveda and ancient Chinese medicine, a glass of warm water should be drunk early in the morning. This is because it activates your digestive system, which
helps avoid indigestion. It also helps stimulate blood flow to the intestine
and helps prevent constipation.
Hot water also helps detoxify your body and get rid
of harmful toxins, Natural health advocates argue that hot water might help the
body detoxify when water is hot enough to raise a person’s body temperature,
it can cause sweating, and sweating expels toxins which also helps clean the
pores.
Hot water prevents acne and other skin problems. In
fact, experts have advised that squeezing half a slice of lemon into your warm
water daily is excellent for boosting your immune system and entire body and
skin health.
Hot water helps combat and relieves pain. It acts as
a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving blood
circulation. This helps the muscles relax and also reduces pain. Hence, if you
are experiencing frequent joint pain or menstrual cramps, start drinking warm
water
Hot water is excellent to improve congestion or cold-related issues. Heat applied to the sinuses (sinuses are a connected system of
hollow cavities in the skull.) can alleviate pressure caused by colds and nasal
allergies. Steam also helps unclog the sinuses. Drinking hot water may help
mucous move more quickly. Thus, drinking hot water eases cough and nose and
chest congestion.
A soothing cup of hot water can also help relieve
stress and anxiety. The consumption of hot liquids, such as tea, could lower
stress and reduce feelings of anxiety.
COLD WATER VS. WARM WATER – WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOUR
HEALTH?
A quick comparison will help us understand which
most likely better for one’s health.
By comparison, drinking hot water helps to break
down food faster than drinking cold or warm water. It reduces the risk of
constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.
Drinking warm water also increases blood circulation
and protects internal organs from damage. This is why most health professionals
recommend drinking warm water for optimal health while drinking cold water
might cause the contraction of muscles.
Drinking cold water could cause severe cold and make
nasal mucous thicker and more difficult to pass through the respiratory tract.
While hot water on the other had helped people breathe more easily. In cases of
cold or flu, drinking hot water would clear congestion.
It is important to also note that there are some
health conditions that can be aggravated by drinking cold water, for example,
cold water triggers migraines, therefore, making it worse. It also aggravates the
pain related to achalasia, that is, a condition that limits your body’s ability
to pass food through your esophagus.
In conclusion, although the benefits and side
effects of cold and hot water still remain debatable, we cannot expressly
conclude on which is best for the body. However, it’s important to understand
one’s body, live healthily and generally consume enough water daily