Nothing cools us down, promotes great health, and tastes quite as fresh as ice cold water on a hot day. While we may often drink water from a tap or bottle, there are reasons that cold water really tastes and feels the best.
Reasons Why Cold Water Taste Better Than Warm Water
Ice cold water is more than just a refreshing drink. Here are just some of the reasons why water tastes better with ice.
Iced Water Has a Crisp, Neutral Taste
Have you ever drank room temperature water from a new city or source? If so, you know that despite having no added flavoring, water can taste different from place to place.
When water is served with ice, the cold water lowers the sensitivity of our taste buds which makes us less likely to notice slight differences in flavor.
When we drink a cold glass of water, the ice also helps to balance out any impurities in the water, giving us a clean and fresh-tasting drink.
This is the same reason that many other beverages taste best when served with ice. A cold drink presents a more balanced set of flavors that our taste buds love.
Cold Water Tells Our Body We Are Quenching Our Thirst
While drinking chilled water isn’t the only way to quench our thirst, science has proven it is the best way to help our bodies know we are rehydrating. Researchers did a study to find out what type of water left people feeling most hydrated. Cold water was the winner.
When we drink cold water our body feels a stronger drinking sensation than if we drink room temperature water or water that is already close to our body temperature. This means that drinking cold water is more thirst quenching than water at room temperature.
When we need to truly feel refreshed, there is a reason that drinking cold ice cold water is supreme.
Our Ancestors Drank Ice Cold Water To Survive
Scientists who study human behavior and history believe that we may be drawn to cold water as a survival adaptation.
Our ancestors needed to drink the freshest natural water they could find. Water that has been sitting still in places such as puddles or even small ponds tends to be higher in bacteria and other harmful substances.
This still uncovered water was also often quite warm as it was not moving or flowing freely from a fresh source.
Water that was moving, such as water in a stream or river, tended to be more pure and have less build-up of harmful outside bacteria. This water also did not sit and warm in the sun, which meant not only was it cleaner, it is also more exposed to cold temperatures.
Over time scientists believe that humans naturally began to gravitate towards cold-moving water as a safe drinking source. Now, cold water feels instinctually cleaner and better for us than water at room temperature.
Not Just Taste: The Health Benefits of Drinking Cold Water
Yes, ice cold water is great, and it’s quite refreshing. But it offers more than that! Here are the health benefits of drinking cold water.
Drinking Iced Water Boosts Metabolism
A research study done in Germany showed that when we drink ice-cold water our body works to maintain its warm internal environment. This means our body is also burning slightly more calories than if we had drunk room temperature water.
On average people who drank iced water as their main water source was burning 50 extra calories per day. Which is just like having gone for a 15-minute walk.
Ice Cold Water Removes Toxins From The Body
Drinking chilly water has been proven to help flush out toxins from our body.
Staying hydrated is key to helping our bodies shed extra impurities and system build up. When we drink water that tastes fresh and feels good to our bodies we are likely to drink more water. The more water we drink, the more toxins our body clears out.
Iced Water Increases Alertness and Energy
When we drink ice cold water, our bodies take notice. The cold water contrasts with our normal warm core temperature and gives our system a mini jolt of activity.
When we drink ice cold water our body responds by producing a short surge of adrenaline in response to the temperature change. This will instantly increase energy and alertness, while avoiding the crash effect of sugary, caffeinated beverages.
Final Thoughts
Drinking cold water at home can improve your health and help you stay alert throughout your day.
Ice cold water tastes great and refreshes our body. There are also numerous health benefits of drinking cold water. When you serve a beverage with ice, you know you are giving your family and your guests the best water experience possible.
If you love iced water, you might want to get an ice maker today!