Six benefits of drinking hot water

According to Medical News Today, some health practitioners recommend drinking hot water as opposed to cold water as it has various health benefits.

And when we say hot water, we don’t mean water that is boiling hot. Ensure the temperature is warm enough so that you don’t burn yourself. Some people add a slice of lemon or a few drops of lemon juice to their water for flavour and for immunity-boosting vitamin C.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking hot as opposed to cold water.

1. It aids in digestion

Water is needed for digestion and warm water helps digest food faster. When you don’t drink enough water, your small intestine absorbs the water from the food you have eaten leaving it dehydrated. This can lead to constipation and bloating. Since warm water speeds up digestion, there’ll be less chance of getting constipated and/or bloated.

2. Relieves nasal congestion

A common symptom of colds, flus and allergies is nasal congestion. We all know how uncomfortable  it is when your sinuses are acting up. Drinking hot water helps open up sinuses relieving nasal congestion. It also helps make mucus move more easily, meaning that when you blow your nose or cough, it is more productive therefore easing the symptoms of cold or flu. To improve the effect, adding some peppermint or ginger powder in the water helps for added relief.

3. Great for detoxing

Hot water will increase your internal body temperature. Consequently, you shall begin to sweat, flushing out toxins from your body. 

4. Improves blood circulation

Like a warm bath, drinking warm water can help expand blood vessels, improving circulation. This helps your muscles relax and can aid in relieving pain. Taking a glass of hot water before you go to sleep could make you more relaxed therefore you can sleep better. 

5. Leads to weight loss

Researchers have found that drinking water before a meal increases the feeling of fullness making you eat less consequently losing weight. Hot water increases metabolism meaning that food is digested faster and more efficiently. Therefore, drinking hot water 30 minutes before a meal could help you lose weight since you will eat less and what you eat will be digested better and faster.  

6. Can help reduce stress and anxiety

A study found that warmer drinks helped you feel more relaxed reducing stress and anxiety. Next time you feel a little tense, drink some hot water.?