Cold water burns more calories, is that right?

For those who are undergoing a diet program, of course, you are often faced with suggestions to drink more water. The more so if the water is cold which is considered to burn more calories.

In general, water is believed to help you lose weight by controlling your appetite and making you full faster. The good thing is, water also does not contain calories and sugar.

However, it is thought that cold water is more effective at burning more calories. Is that right?

Is it true that cold water burns more calories?

Cold water is said to be more effective at burning calories. This assumption is not completely wrong either. The American College of Sports Medicine and the International Society of Sports Nutrition even recommend drinking cold water after exercise. Drinking cold water will help reduce the increase in body temperature which can inhibit the body's endurance level during exercise.

A study conducted in Germany in 2003 also observed the effects of cold water on the body.

Based on the results drawn from 14 participants, it was found that drinking 500 ml of cold water can increase the body's activity to burn calories by up to 30% for more than an hour.

This is most likely caused by the body's reaction to the thermogenic effects of working harder to warm the water, resulting in burning calories.

In addition, the concern about cold water can hinder the digestive system is also not proven. This is because the cold water that enters the body will adjust to body temperature so that it will become warmer after five minutes of drinking it. Especially if drunk after exercise, water will replace lost sweat and prevent dehydration.

Cold water does not have a significant effect on burning calories

While cold water can help burn calories, the effect of cold water is insignificant when compared to drinking room temperature water.

A follow-up study also examined the differences in the effects of the two. As it turns out, the thermogenic effect of cold water can only burn about 5 calories more than room temperature water.

A study from the University of Washington also added that the body's work process in making one glass of cold water warm will only burn 8 calories. If calculated by the recommendation to drink 8 glasses of water per day, you only burn a maximum of 64 calories. The results are the same as what you would get after doing some light exercise for about 5 to 15 minutes.

How do you drink water to burn calories?

It is good if you are not on a weight loss program, ensuring that water consumption is fulfilled in a day is actually important for health. Adequate water intake is the key to making your body's metabolism function properly.

If you want to lose weight, you can drink a glass of water before having a heavy meal. You don't have to drink cold water to burn calories, you can also drink water with room temperature or warm water. Apart from providing a filling effect, plain water can also reduce a few calories from the food you consume.

For a more refreshing variety of flavors, you can also make infused water with sliced fruit and vegetables such as lemon, strawberry, and cucumber.

Even though it is good for health, you are still not advised to drink excess water. Consumption of water must also be balanced with electrolytes. When consumed in excess, you will increase your risk of hyponatremia, which can lead to heart attack and even death.