Drinking water is essential for human survival. We know that our body’s utilize water for a variety of physiological processes including regulating body temperature and promoting good healthy digestion.
Some believe that there are additional health benefits of drinking hot water when compared to drinking cold water.
While there is limited research to support this, there are anecdotal reports that drinking plain hot water may help relieve congestion, improve digestion and more.
In this article, we will review these potential health benefits and review some common myths.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Drinking hot water may relieve a sore throat or decrease stress and anxiety levels.
- Drinking water is important for proper hydration regardless of temperature.
- It’s up to your personal preference on what temperature water you prefer to achieve optimal hydration.
Table of Contents
✅ Benefits of Drinking Hot Water
1. Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms
Hot water can also provide relief when you’re feeling under the weather. Steam inhalation with hot water can clear nasal passages and relieve congestion.
It’s a simple yet effective way to relieve symptoms – soothe a sore throat and ease coughs, making it a go-to remedy during cold and flu season.
2. Decreased Stress Levels
Consuming a hot drink such as hot water with a slice of lemon and honey may be relaxing for some.
Not only that but drinking warm water with or other hot beverages such as herbal tea may also aid relaxation and help one’s stress levels decrease.
3. May Help Digestion
Some say that drinking hot or warm water is better for your digestive system.
While there is little evidence to support this, there are a few studies that suggest drinking warm water may be beneficial for patients after surgery promoting return of bowel function.
❌ Myths of Drinking Hot Water Debunked
In general, there is little scientific research to support hot water having additional health benefits beyond cold water.
At the end of the day, many of the benefits of drinking hot water are simply because it is water. It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm water or hot water.
1. Hot Water Helps Digestion
Water, regardless of the temperature, can help aid digestion and prevent constipation. Our bodies need water to help promote regular bowel movements and lubricate our digestive system.
If you struggle with constipation, to prevent it, make sure you’re drinking enough water in general.
However, if you believe drinking hot water helps your digestive process there is no harm!
2. Hot Water Helps You Stay Better Hydrated
In some articles you may read that it helps with hydration. Well, truth be told, regardless of temperature, the most important part of hydration is not the temperature, but how much water you’re drinking.
It is imperative for overall health to make sure you’re drinking enough. Dehydration can lead to a variety of undesired symptoms including headaches and constipation.
So, if drinking hot water with honey and lemon or a hot herbal tea helps you reach your hydration goals, drink up!
3. Hot Water Helps Blood Circulation
We know that healthy blood flow is important for your overall cardiovascular health. However, there is little evidence to support that drinking hot water promotes increased blood flow or changes in blood pressure.
However, overall proper hydration (again regardless of temperature) does help increase blood flow.
This is because adequate water intake helps your heart pump your blood more efficiently through your blood vessels and to the rest of your body in order to deliver oxygen and other nutrients to your muscles and organs.
However, when you become dehydrated your blood becomes thicker and therefore travels more slowly leading to poor blood circulation. For proper blood flow, stay hydrated!
📑 Conclusion
So, what is the optimal drinking temperature? There are some health benefits to drinking hot water including relaxation and soothing a sore throat.
But, at the end of the day whatever water temperature helps you meet your daily hydration goals is the temperature of water you should drink!
The most important part is making sure you’re adequately hydrated. For example, if you’re feeling under the weather, drinking hot tea or broth may soothe your throat and also make sure you’re getting well hydrated when you’re feeling sick.
On the other hand, if you just went on a run in the heat and you’re dying to quench your thirst with a cold glass of water, go for it!
Most adults struggle in general to reach daily hydration goals. So remember, drinking enough water throughout the day is the most important thing – it doesn’t matter what temperature it is.
Pick whatever your personal preference is and what helps you drink the most!
❔ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Drinking Hot Water Better For You?
Drinking “hot water” isn’t necessarily better for you as some say. In fact, there is little evidence to support that consuming hot water is better for you than if you drink cold water.
Why Do Chinese Drink Hot Water?
Some Chinese people drink hot water because they believe it helps balance cold and humidity. In addition they believe it to help blood circulation and toxin release.
Is Drinking Hot Water Good?
Drinking hot water is perfectly safe as long as the temperature is between 130-160 degrees. Be careful with hot beverage temperatures!
If the temperature is higher than this it can result in scalding your tongue or burning your throat. We have all experienced this before and it’s no fun!
Does Hot Water Burn Belly Fat?
Drinking hot water doesn’t help burn belly fat. However, drinking enough water daily can help you promote weight loss simply by preventing you from overeating and replacing high calorie beverages with a zero calorie alternative.
If you’re trying to lose weight, it doesn’t matter what temperature of water you drink. The key is to make sure you’re drinking enough water and changing your food and exercise routines.
There is not a magic solution to weight loss, at the end of the day it takes hard work and sustainable lifestyle changes for long lasting results.
