The debate around drinking cold water has sparked curiosity, with some believing it may harm digestion by contracting the stomach. However, there’s no solid evidence to back this up. Both cold and room-temperature water keep you hydrated effectively. Cold water can be especially refreshing after a workout, helping cool the body and possibly giving a small metabolism boost. While it might bother those with sensitive teeth or digestion, most people can enjoy it without issues. In the end, it comes down to personal preference. What matters most is staying hydrated – water, at any temperature, is essential for mental and physical health.
Risks of drinking cold water
Drinking cold water can have unexpected effects on your body.According to Healthline, a 1978 study involving 15 people found that cold water increased the thickness of nasal mucus, making it harder to pass through the respiratory tract, whereas hot water and chicken soup had the opposite effect, easing breathing. For individuals with certain health conditions, cold water can exacerbate symptoms. Research suggests that drinking cold water can trigger migraines in prone individuals (2001 study) and worsen achalasia symptoms, a condition affecting food passage through the esophagus (2012 study). In traditional Chinese medicine, consuming cold water with hot food is believed to create an imbalance, which is why meals are often served with warm water or tea. Similar beliefs exist in other cultures, such as the idea that cold water on a hot day may not provide cooling relief. However, more research is needed to confirm or deny these claims.
Positive effects of drinking cold water
As per reports benefits of drinking cold water include:
- Beneficial for athletes or individuals engaging in strenuous physical activity
- Helps prevent overheating during exercise (2012 study)
- Makes workout sessions more successful
- Assists in maintaining a lower core temperature, enhancing physical performance.
- Cold water is super refreshing on hot days or after a tough workout. It helps cool you down, slows your heart rate, and makes you feel better faster.
Does cold water help you with weight loss?
Drinking cold water may aid in weight loss to a small extent. Benefits include
- Lower calorie intake when replacing sugary drinks
- Improved digestion
- Slight increase in calorie burn as the body works to warm the water to core temperature
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