What are the differences between freezing water and a glass of water at room temperature. 90 per cent of my acquaintances prefer extremely cold drinks; even during the winter months. If I happen to forget my own bottle of water, this can present a real problem. The majority of drinks within shops and cafes are kept at very cold temperatures. In fact, one of my friends has stated that she cannot drink anything which is not chilled to the core. She claims that it is not “refreshing”. Is this a healthy habit and is there any truth to her statement?

The Possible Drawbacks of Cold Drinks

Let’s first mention that a cold drink will cool your stomach down once it has been ingested. Your body will have to devote a significant amount of energy in order to restore the previous temperature. Of course, we also need to point out that anyone with sensitive teeth will undoubtedly feel the pain of an icy drink. Do our drinks really need to hover just above the freezing point? This simple answer is no.

The Surprising Benefits of Hot Drinks

You might be surprised to learn that drinking a warm or hot beverage can actually cool your body down. Why is this the case? When you add heat to your body, it will respond by sweating. This evaporative process is naturally cooling due to the fact that it pulls heat away from your body (known as an exothermic reaction). This is one of the reasons why those who live in extremely hot and dry conditions will often drink tea.

Also, it has been shown that drinking warm water can help you digest foods more efficiently, remove toxins from the body and improve your circulation. If you happen to suffer from migraines, you will be happy to learn that warm water will not trigger an episode. The same cannot be said for those who have ever experienced a migraine brought on by a cold beverage. This is even more relevant if you choose to consume cold water with a meal.

Other Useful Tips to Keep in Mind

I should mention another piece of advice which has come in handy over the years. Try to get in the habit of not drinking when you eat a meal. Drink 15 minutes before or after. This actually makes sense if we remember that liquids will dilute the acids found within your stomach while making it contract. Both of these situations make it more difficult to digest a meal. If you happen to suffer from indigestion, this recommendation should come in handy. Let’s also keep in mind that drinking cold liquids with a meal will rob your body of the energy that it requires to absorb nutrients. If you absolutely must have a beverage while eating, try to obtain one that is warm or at room temperature.

I am well aware that it can be tough to break a habit that might have existed since you were a child. Still, even the smallest of changes can have a massive impact upon your overall health. Even if you choose to ignore the advice mentioned above and drink cold water, be sure to remain hydrated throughout the day. Your mental and physical health will both improve as a result!

VJ