We all know water is essential if we would like to survive, doctors’ orders state that 8 glasses are required daily. However, should those glasses contain hot or cold water? That really all depends on what you’re trying to achieve, health or body wise. Drinking both temperatures throughout the day would be preferable; however each is distinct from the other and provides for some pretty unique advantages to our bodies. While ice cold water is everyone’s idea of refreshing, here are some benefits warm water provides, that you simply couldn’t get from its cold counterpart.
Weight Loss
I’m sure you’ve heard of lemon water, maybe from a friend or from the internet, and if you haven’t, you’re welcome. The lemon can’t take all the credit. Hot water is great for maintaining a healthy metabolism, which is what you want if you’re trying to shed a few kilos. A great way to start the day is to include some lemon with hot water, to get you disposing that fat faster. This mixture also acts great as a detox. Once you drink hot water, your body temperature begins to rise, which results in sweat, which is in fact toxins getting released from your body.
Do you have a cold?
Before heading to the nearest pharmacy to collect medication for your cold or cough, try drinking hot water a couple of times first. It dissolves phlegm and also helps remove it from your respiratory tract. No wonder it’s great for clearing up nasal congestion and relieving a sore throat. Just in case you may have migraines from time to time, hot water can also relieve those.
Period pains
I know this one all too well. Remaining hydrated is necessary so as not to get too uncomfortable during your periods, and drinking hot water reduces pain incredibly. The heat of the water soothes and calms the abdominal muscles, and lowers body tension which may eventually help reduce cramps.
Perfect for skin care
Before purchasing your skin products, focus on how the kettle in your kitchen can be of assistance. Remember when we said hot water acts as a great detox (even better with a little lemon included) well, due to this, it works for preventing wrinkles. Drinking hot water helps stay hydrated, hence helping to repair the skin cells that increase the elasticity of your skin. Damaged skin can be repaired with a disciplined water drinking habit. The cleansing effect of hot water may also reduce acne and pimples. It opens up the pores and cleanses the skin.
What about hair?
Just when you think it couldn’t get better, it does, and your hair benefits too. Drinking hot water helps soften hair and making it shiny. It energizes the nerve endings in your hair roots and makes them active. This ensures that your hair looks healthy and vibrant. In addition hot water encourages hair growth, a ‘good to know’ for all those starting or are currently on their hair journeys. The hot water promotes the regular activity of the roots and subsequently accelerates the growth of your hair. That’s not all, because drinking your daily dose of hot water also prevents dandruff. Hot water keeps your scalp hydrated and helps fight against a dry scalp or dandruff.
Blood and the nervous system
Hot water promotes healthy blood circulation, which enables proper muscle and nerve activity. Speaking of nerve activity, it keeps the same functioning healthily by breaking down the fat deposits around it.