Hot water is a vasodilator, meaning it expands the blood vessels, thereby improving the blood circulation in the body. Better circulation of blood in turn helps the muscles in relaxing and reducing pain. A daily dose of hot/warm water also helps the body in breaking down fat deposits, relaxing muscles, and increasing the blood flow. In addition, an increase in blood circulation can help in rejuvenating skin cells while keeping them thoroughly nourished.
Benefits Of Drinking Hot Water
While drinking water of any temperature can support overall wellbeing, drinking hot water precisely helps in providing a range of additional health benefits. People have consumed hot drinks for centuries. Additionally, several folk medical literature is also filled with stories of how hot water helps in improving health. Here are five of the potential benefits of drinking hot water throughout the day.
1. Healthy digestion
When a person does not drink enough water, the small intestine absorbs most of the water consumed through the food and drinks they consume throughout the day. This causes dehydration, therefore making it more difficult to have a proper bowel movement. In addition, chronic dehydration can cause severe constipation. This constipation in turn makes bowel movement painful and may cause other problems, such as hemorrhoids and bloating.
On the other hand, drinking hot water helps in breaking down food faster than drinking cold or warm water. It reduces the risk of constipation thereby supporting regular and painless bowel movements.
2. Weight loss
Several researches have long supported the idea that drinking more water helps a person in losing weight. This may partially be because drinking water increases the feeling of fullness. Water also helps the body in absorbing nutrients, thereby flushing out the toxins and waste.
According to a study published in 2003, switching from drinking cold water to hot water could increase and fasten weight loss. Researchers found that drinking 500 ml of hot water before a meal increases the metabolism by 30 percent.
Also read: Know These 8 Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water During COVID Pandemic
3. Reduces Stress
A cup/mug of hot water may help people in managing their stress and anxiety better. An older study found that consumption of hot liquids, such as tea and coffee, could lower stress and reduce feelings of anxiety thereby preventing chronic ailments such as depression.
The study argues that some of the effects are due to caffeine, but that the warmth also played a role in improving the mood of participants.
4. Body detoxification
Hot water might help the body to detoxify. When water is hot enough, it raises a person’s body temperature, which leads to sweating. Sweating in turn helps in expelling toxins and in cleaning the pores of the skin and body.
According to the Arthritis Foundation also, drinking hot water is important for flushing out the body. In addition, it also helps in fighting inflammation, and keeping the joints well lubricated.
