What is healthier to drink: hot or cold water? This is what an expert says

A viral wellness trend asks a simple question: is hot or cold water healthier? – but the science behind it is more nuanced.

Previous research shows that the temperature of foods and drinks has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.

One of the oldest health claims is that ice water increases calorie burning by forcing the body to heat it. While this is based on science, the actual impact may be minimal.

Ultimately, experts say, the impact of water temperature on health depends on the goal: weight loss, sports performance, digestion or comfort.

Does cold water promote weight loss?

“According to research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told News Digital.

While the body expends energy to heat cold water, Freirich noted that it is “not important enough to make it worthwhile” to lose weight. However, hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, he added.

For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” He pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, participants saw measurable weight loss.

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“Extra water may suppress appetite or play a role in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how the body uses nutrients, he added, noting that more research is needed.

For those who exercise in hot and humid conditions, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests that there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.

While drinking water can cause sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.

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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal upset.

Warm water and digestion.

There are several reasons why someone might opt ​​for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can speed up gastric emptying, effectively waking up the intestine.

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The benefits can also be mental. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea produces lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.

Medical triggers

Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulties for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.

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Additionally, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that iced drinks cause digestive upset.

Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water a day.

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“The most important thing is that everyone stays adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.