The viral wellness trend begs a simple question. Is warm or cold water better for your health? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.
Previous research has shown that the temperature of food and drinks has a measurable impact on things like anxiety and stress. intestinal discomfort.
One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water helps burn calories by forcing the body to warm up. Although this is based on science, the actual impact may be minimal.
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Ultimately, experts say, how water temperature affects your health will depend on your goals, including weight loss, athletic performance, digestion, and comfort.
“Studies show that within 90 minutes of consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases by a minimal 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freilich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
The body expends energy to heat cold water, but it’s “not important enough to be worthwhile,” Freilich said. weight loss. But boiling water doesn’t exactly dissolve fat, she added.
For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freilich suggests focusing on how much, not how cold. She pointed to research on overweight women who added extra nutrients. 1.5 liters of water to daily intake. Over eight weeks, participants experienced visible weight loss.
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“Excess water may suppress appetite or be involved in energy production and expenditure,” Freilich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.
for people exercising In hot and humid environments, the goal is to rehydrate and avoid excessive water loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests that there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.
Drinking water causes sweating as the body regulates body temperature, and the lowest amount of sweat was found at 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
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“It’s cool, but not cold,” Freilich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range will help your body hydrate efficiently without causing symptoms. gastrointestinal upset.
There are several reasons to choose warm water, including its relaxing and digestive benefits. Studies have shown that warm liquids promote gastric emptying and effectively wake up the intestines.
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There may also be psychological benefits. Freilich points to research showing that hot black tea reduces levels of the body’s key cortisol. stress hormone — Increased subjective feeling of relaxation after a stressful task.
Freilich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty or be dangerous for people with swallowing disorders. cause migraine “Brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.
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moreover, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ice-cold drinks can cause digestive discomfort.
Ultimately, the optimal temperature is one that encourages drinking, the nutritionist said. The general recommendation for adults is to drink 7 to 8 glasses of water per day.
“Most importantly, it’s important that everyone stays here.” well hydrated” Freilich said.
