It is almost becoming a custom for people in this clime to drink chill water whenever they are dehydrated, whereas drinking of warm or hot water has got several health benefits for the human system than any other fluid.
Granted that there are little findings on this subject, alternative health experts have postulated that drinking hot water improves human health a great deal. While it is said to support skin, muscle and joint health, intake of hot water also helps the body’s cells absorb nutrients and fight infections.
Some of the super health benefits of hot water as reported by Medical News Today are listed below:
- Healthier digestion
When a person does not drink enough water, the small intestine absorbs most of the water consumed through food and drinking. This causes dehydration and can make it more difficult to have a bowel movement.
Chronic dehydration can cause corresponding chronic constipation. This constipation can make bowel movements painful and may cause other problems, including hemorrhoids and bloating.
- Body detoxification
Natural health advocates argue that hot water might help the body detoxify. When water is hot enough to raise a person’s body temperature, it can cause sweating. Sweating expels toxins and can help clean the pores.
- Improved circulation
Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, improving circulation. This can help muscles relax and reduce pain.
Although no studies have directly linked hot water to sustained improvements in circulation, even brief improvements in circulation can support better blood flow to muscles and organs.
- Weight loss
Research has long supported the idea that drinking more water can help a person lose weight. This may partially be because drinking water increases feelings of fullness. Water also helps the body absorb nutrients, and it flushes out waste.
A study published in 2003 found that switching from drinking cold water to hot water could increase weight loss. Researchers found that drinking 500 ml of water before a meal increased metabolism by 30 percent.Raising water temperature to 98.6 degrees accounted for 40 percent of the increase in metabolism. This metabolic step-up lasted for 30-40 minutes, following water consumption.
- Reduced pain
Hot water improves circulation and may also improve blood flow, particularly to injured muscles. No research has directly linked hot water consumption to pain relief.
However, people routinely use heat packs and hot water bottles to reduce pain. Consuming hot water may offer some internal pain relief, but it is important to note that heat can also exacerbate swelling.
- Fighting colds and improving sinus health
Heat applied to the sinuses can alleviate pressure caused by colds and nasal allergies. Steam also helps unclog the sinuses. Drinking hot water may help mucous move more quickly. This means that drinking hot water may encourage coughing and nose-blowing to be more productive.
- Encouraging consumption of coffee and tea
When mixed with coffee or tea, hot water may offer additional health benefits. Coffee and caffeinated teas can dehydrate the body, especially at high doses, but they also offer some health benefits in moderation.
Research published in 2017 linked coffee consumption to a longer life. Other research has found a link between moderate coffee consumption and a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, some liver disease, and heart health problems.
Tea may reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Some studies have linked tea to a reduced risk of cancer, but the results vary.
- Reduced stress
A soothing cup of hot water may help people manage stress and anxiety. An older study found that consumption of hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, could lower stress and reduce feelings of anxiety.
The study argues that some of the effects are due to caffeine, but that the warmth also played a role in the improved mood of participants.
