We all have heard people emphasizing drinking hot water due to its proclaimed health benefits. Apparently, in addition to being an excellent method to remain hydrated, there are several benefits of drinking hot water that you might not be aware of. Let us focus on 9 such health benefits of consuming hot water. 

Top 6 Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

Here are the top six benefits of drinking hot water that you must know about:

1. Improves Digestion

Drinking hot water instead of cold or warm water speeds up the digestion process. Hot water dilates the blood vessels of the stomach blood, thus promoting better digestion.

Additionally, it aids in the faster passage of food particles through the digestive system, lowering the possibility of indigestion and other digestive problems. Drinking a cup of hot water, for instance, with a meal can reduce bloating and encourage regular bowel movements.

2. Boosts Metabolism

Drinking hot water will speed up your metabolism and aid in weight reduction. Research shows drinking hot water stimulates peristalsis (movement of the gut) in your digestive system, which aids in breaking down food more quickly and effectively. This results in an increased metabolic rate, which in turn can help burn more calories and fat in your body. 

According to a study, consuming 500 ml of water before a meal enhanced metabolism by 30%. Following water intake, this metabolic step-up continued for 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Eases Constipation

Drinking hot water helps to soften stools and simplify their passage. Consuming hot water might aid in stimulating the digestive system and boosting bile production, thus making the passage of food through the digestive system easy. As a result, this aids in reducing the discomfort associated with indigestion and bloating.

4. Soothes Sore Throat

Drinking hot water helps ease sore throat symptoms by reducing inflammation. The throat's mucus gets thinned by the hot water, making swallowing simpler and reducing discomfort due to swollen throat tissues.

According to a 2008 study, consuming hot drinks can provide long-lasting relief from symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and fatigue. 

5. Reduces Stress

Drinking hot water is a helpful stress-management technique. Hot water helps warm the body, promotes blood flow, relieves tight muscles, and reduces stress-induced high blood pressure, thereby lowering overall stress. 

6. Keeps You Hydrated

It is easier to stay hydrated with hot water since it is absorbed into the body more quickly than cold water. It also aids in promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy digestion. People who enjoy drinking hot beverages in the morning, such as tea or coffee, can reduce the bad effects of caffeine on their bodies by switching to hot water with green tea. 

Ideal Hot Water Temperature for Consumption

Many experts have argued about the appropriate hot water temperature for ingestion throughout the years. The appropriate temperature to drink hot water should be between 160 degrees F (71.1 degrees C) and 185 degrees F (85 degrees C). 

This temperature range ensures that any potentially hazardous microbes are eradicated, making the water safe for ingestion. Moreover, it is not extremely hot as well to cause a severe issue.

It is important to keep in mind that the hot water's temperature might have an impact on the water's taste. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the temperature within the advised range.

Drawbacks of Consuming Hot Water

Consuming hot water has long been a custom in several civilisations all over the world. However, recent research suggests that it might have some drawbacks. 

• Drinking hot water has risks such as tissue damage, diminished thirst signals that may lead to underhydration, and increased sweating that can cause drinking more water than usual.
• If the water is too hot, then it may potentially harm the linings of the mouth, throat, and oesophagus. Therefore, if you consume hot water, it is crucial to be aware of the potential drawbacks and drink it in moderation.

Conclusion

By and large, there are many benefits of drinking hot water that can enhance your general health and well-being. You can also add green tea leaves or lemon to your cup of hot water to reap additional antioxidant benefits.  

Explore Green Teas 

FAQs

1. Can drinking hot water aid in weight loss?

Yes, consuming hot water can help with weight reduction. It helps accelerate metabolism and burn calories more effectively.

2. How much hot water should I consume?

It is advised to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. Therefore, you can replace a portion of your daily consumption with hot water.

3. Does hot water help with constipation relief?

Hot water helps to relieve constipation effectively as it promotes bowel motions and stimulates the digestive system.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.