There is nothing more refreshing after a hot day outdoors than a glass of cold water.
When asked to choose, people would always prefer to go for cold water rather than water that is at room temperature, and it is not hard to understand why.
Cold water just seems more refreshing and satisfying. The way it helps to cool the body is a feeling you cannot get with any other kind of drink.
But does cold water do more than just that? Does drinking cold water have any health impact on the body?
Water is very necessary for our survival, and we are advised to drink lots of it every day.
But there is hardly any mention of whether it is cold water we should drink more of it or not. This is why in today’s post, we will be looking at some health benefits of drinking cold water.
5 Health Benefits Of Drinking Cold Water
Below are some of the health benefits that can be derived from drinking cold water.
1. Helps to rehydrate faster
If you are looking for a way to rehydrate your body faster, then you should choose cold water over room-temperature water. Studies have shown that the body absorbs cold water faster than warm water, especially on a hot day.
So if you have just returned from the gym and need to rehydrate yourself as fast as possible, then one or two glasses of cold water would help refresh you faster.
In fact, a 2013 study stated that the best water temperature for rehydration following exercise may be 16°C, which is about the same temperature as standard cold water.
2. Helps cool your body
During the dry season or when the weather is hot, having a cold bottle of water on standby would help to keep your body cool.
Feeling hot inside could make you feel uncomfortable, which could also affect your mood or your ability to function properly.
Regular intake of cold water could help keep your internal temperature under control.
3. Helps with weight loss
Looking for a way to lose weight or keep your weight under control? Drink more cold water.
Replacing your regular soft drinks or processed fruit drinks with cold water may help you cut down on some weight.
Drinking water has been associated with lower calorie intake, which means you would get to eat less, resulting in reduced weight.
Having a bottle of cold water can help you achieve so much on your weight loss journey.
4. May help prevent constipation
Starting your day with a glass of cold water can go a long way to prevent you from getting constipated throughout the day.
This is because water helps to regulate bowel movement, making it easier for food to be digested.
5. Helps to flush out toxins
A quick and easy way to detoxify is to drink cold water. Asides from quenching your thirst, water also helps to flush out toxins from the body.
A build-up of these toxins could make you ill. But cold water would help to clear out those toxins and make your body healthier.
There are so many benefits you gain from drinking cold water. Although it is not compulsory you always drink cold water; there are times when drinking warm water can be the best option.
Possible Negative Health Effects Of Drinking Cold Water
Although there are some health benefits of drinking cold water, there are equally certain potential side effects of drinking cold water.
Here are some of the likely adverse health effects of drinking water:
• Might aggravate tooth sensitivity
Drinking cold water may cause pain and discomfort among people with tooth sensitivity.
• Worsens the symptoms of achalasia
Achalasia is a rare medical condition that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
According to a 2012 study, people that drank cold water experienced worsened symptoms in people with achalasia.
• Might cause headaches
Although it does not happen in everyone, drinking cold water may lead to headaches in some.
In a 2001 study involving 669 women, 51 of them stated they experienced headaches after drinking cold water.
• Could cause sore throat
Another likely health effect of drinking cold water is that it could cause sore throat, but not in everyone.
• Makes mucous thicker
According to a 1978 study, involving 15 people, drinking cold water made nasal mucous thicker, which made it more difficult to go through the respiratory tract.
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