Drinking hot water daily has surprising health benefits

Drinking hot water is a wellness trick that social media influencers tout every week. Hot water, not tea bags or coffee granules mixed with milk.

The hot beverage that was once the wellness hack of the day has now become a daily ritual for many people, who have noticed its obvious health benefits.

Ancient origins

The idea of drinking hot water did not originate from a social media influencer in LA. Drinking warm water has been a tradition in many cultures throughout history, and especially in the east.

Ayurveda is India’s ancient medical system. It emphasizes the importance of drinking hot water. Ayurvedic philosophy says that drinking hot water will soothe the digestive fire, which is responsible for the processing of food.

Drinking hot water in China is a tradition that dates back more than 2,500 years. It was thought to possess medicinal properties. It was believed that hot water contained “Yin”, and would counteract your “Yang”. The hot water was believed to create balance and expel moisture, as opposed to cold water.

In 2,500 BC, it was difficult to find hot water for those of lower social status. It was difficult to boil the kettle so it was only available to the poorest.

Benefits of drinking hot water

The ancients were right in many of their beliefs about hot water’s health benefits.

Drinking hot water can help and ease digestion. Hot water helps to relax the digestive system, allowing food to pass more easily. Drinking hot water can reduce bloating.

Also, it improves blood circulation throughout the entire body. Hot water – whether you’re drinking it or maybe even bathing in it – opens up your arteries and veins, allowing blood to carry through your body more effectively. Improved circulation can have a positive impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Drinking hot water helps regulate the body’s temperature. A steaming beverage can help you warm up in the winter. This will reduce your shivering, and may even reduce flu-like signs. In the heat of summer, however, hot water can also be beneficial. Hot drinks are a great way to cool your body as they trigger receptors which increase sweat. The sweat will then evaporate and cool you down.

Hot water promotes clearer skin, improved cognition, better joint movement, etc. Women should consume 2.3 litres per day of water, while men need to drink 3.3 litres. Drinking hot water can help you reach this goal.

Early morning or late night?

You should never drink hot or cold water during a certain time of day. It’s nothing like waiting until it is 5’clock to drink a Bloody-Mary. Many experts recommend drinking a cup hot water first thing in the morning.

You can gently awaken your body by incorporating hot water into your daily routine. You can play a lullaby to soothe your body instead of turning the lights on or removing the duvet. Drinking hot water before eating can help prepare your digestive system for the meal ahead.

Final Thoughts

It’s no wonder that hot water has been a drink of choice since millennia. The practice of drinking warm water has been popularized by viral videos on social media. However, the benefits are clear to anyone who tries.