Drinking water: The great temperature debate
Drinking water. Who would have thought something so simple could be the cause for so much conflict and confusion? I’m talking about the debate over whether we should drink cold, or body temperature water. Growing up I preferred cold water. I never questioned why. It tasted better than warm, and that was good enough reason for me. It wasn’t until I started my tertiary studies that the “best” way to drink water was brought in to question. Here’s a quick summary of different opinions I have gathered over the years, and my own take on their validity, although I encourage you to make your own.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that water be consumed between 59°F and 72°F—a relatively cold beverage when compared to the average body temperature of 98°F. This recommendation is made on the assertion that people simply prefer drinking water cold. Still, this does nothing to prove if one temperature is better than the other, only that we prefer the taste of cold. Some believe that by drinking cold water they burn more calories, a theory based on the idea that the human body uses energy to bring cold water up to body temperature before metabolizing it. I can think of many more effective and efficient methods of burning calories, but I digress. Others say that cold water can help cool us down during exercise. This makes sense to me, but some sources argue that the water is raised to our bodies preferred temperature BEFORE it is distributed into the blood stream. Yet another theory states that due to the increased density of cold water, it can pass through the stomach and into the small intestine quicker, therefor providing expedited hydration delivery. I found little to no evidence to support this point.
So what justifies drinking warm water?
The case for drinking warm water hinges on the fact that it is already body temperature, and therefor can be metabolized more quickly. This is a good point, but still needs further research to prove or disprove it’s validity. Besides this, there isn’t a whole lot to support the drinking of warm water, besides the myth that drinking cold water solidifies undigested fats in the stomach. Supposedly the solidified fats then line the intestinal walls and lead to an inhibited metabolism and increased risk of cancer. Barbara at snopes.com does a good job of falsifying this rumor.
Obviously, we’re a little confused, and so, it seems, are the industry professionals. So what should we do, faced with such vague reasoning and limited research? I suggest sticking to which ever you prefer. Forget the temperature debate, just make sure you’re staying hydrated throughout the day. If you don’t like sipping on room temperature water, then drink cold, and vice versa. Either way, it’s not going to hurt you. Bottom like: Stay hydrated.
Do you have an opinion, or can you point us in the direction of a legitimate thesis on the subject? Lets hear it in the comments.
Ralph Griffiths
Reader Comments (9)
i had no idea there was so much controversy around water temperature! interesting read!!!
I have heard it both ways. I heard that our metabolisms are slower than the asian countries because they drink hot tea and we drink cold water. Whatever! I'll drink whatever tastes better, and that is NOT hot water lol
my friend referred your blog to me, and I love that this was the first post I got to read. how interesting. I always thought I was really weird because I enjoy room temperature water over cold water, am I NOT the only one out there????
I read within the last year that sports physiologists have determined that a slushy sports drink (think Gatorade Slurpee) actually improves race performance. This finding underscores their belief that cool is better than warm and now offers that cold is better than cool.
This is my first opportunity to visit this website. I found some interesting things and I will apply to the development of my blog. Thanks for sharing useful information.
hermes birkin
Hermes replica
hermes birkin replica
black dress little girl how to make a proper choice?Generallymeans that for less formal occasions,
black dressesFormal dress style in this little girl would flatter.Not only will they
prom dresses 2012you'd better choose and knee cocktail dress as sheath.
blue dressesyou can use the appearance of short.Of course, it is important to note that,
little black dress speaking, the more formal occasions, the longer the clothes should be.This
Mulberry Handbags
Mulberry Outlet
Mulberry Factory Shop
Burberry Bags
Burberry Scarf
Burberry Outlet
Burberry Sale
Burberry Trench Coat
Burberry Cashmere Scarf
Burberry Tote Bags
Burberry Diaper Bags
Moncler Coats
Moncler Online
Cheap Moncler Jackets
Moncler Shop
Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes
Ferragamo Shoes
Ferragamo Handbag
Ferragamo Sale
Roger Vivier
Roger Vivier Online
Roger Vivier Flats
Roger Vivier Shoes
The weight that a lady carries on her shoulders with the louis vuitton speedy 25 on would depend on the amount of points that she would phone essentials. The list of essentials would differ from one particular lady to another but louis vuitton speedy are actually sure factors which would remain precisely the same for everybody.Ever considering the louis vuitton purses outlet online that they hit the market, louis vuitton speedy 30 handbags have already been sought following for his or her fine craftsmanship and unmatchable aesthetic appeal. Louis Vuitton handbags are now the international standard in baggage, the suitcases and bags from which all other speedy louis vuitton are judged.This organization just advertises its solutions all through its own louis vuitton outlet online across the world, it assists in controlling price, profitability and good quality with louis vuitton speedy 30 with shoulder strap, it on top of that assists in getting rid of fakes or copies to be sold within tinier boutiques. Louis Vuitton sells merchandise via smaller boutiques inside of louis vuitton purse outlet high-end division louis vuitton shop online, as well because the e-commerce portion of its web page. This firm just possesses a single louis vuitton neverfull retailer which it sells its products by way of, and that retailer is Neiman Marcus.The Louis Vuitton Malaysia Price Checklist louis vuitton neverfull GM is challenging to discover. Just like other louis vuitton shop online around the world, the ones in Malaysia like KLCC, Starhill or the Garden don't in fact promote their rates for their solutions. This article will display you exactly where you can find the charges for all of your favored louis vuitton luggage in Malaysia
In this modern and fashionable society, people are pursuing for chaussures nike cool, unique, stylish and innovative. Whether it is air max or fashion accessories all means a lot for modern society of today. Same is the case with trendy looking Nike air max. When these are Nike tn, the excitement just gets doubled. Most chic looking Nike shox are in fashion now. These are one of the favorite fashion accessories for men and women long time ago. If you have not yet tried Nike tn, it's time to own one and feel the difference it can make to your personality. These are just brilliant and fabulous Nike shox. They are most iconic and can provide you with a new feeling and enhance confidence. The quality of chaussures nike is just superior to what you have dreamt of. Today owning a new and trendy looking air max are not only meant for the wealthy people. These are now made luxurious and affordable Nike air max to reach out to every budget and range. You can just enjoy them by ordering replica watches online where you get the complete satisfaction and genuine quality at best possible rates. The finish, quality and designs you get from replica watches are really astonishing and you will love them all. Different styles and designs of replica watches are now available to make your wrist beautiful. You can choose from the wide variety of replica watches by comparing lots of perfect and stunning pieces.