The Best Temperature for Drinking Water.. What Does Science Say About Hydration, Digestion, and Appetite?

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People differ in their preference for water temperature, with some preferring it icy, cold, or at room temperature, while everyone is looking for the best option for health.

According to a report published by Real Simple, scientists, nutritionists, and gastrointestinal disease experts confirm that water temperature has a limited effect on body functions, while the most important factor remains drinking enough water to maintain hydration.

Matthew Landry, a nutritionist and assistant professor of global health at the University of California, believes that moderately cold water, at a temperature ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, is the optimal choice for most people because it is more palatable and easier to drink. He explains that temperature does not significantly affect the water once it enters the body, as it quickly acquires the body's natural temperature.

Scientists indicate that room temperature water, which often ranges between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, remains a good option for daily consumption. Edmundo Rodriguez-Frias, a gastrointestinal disease specialist, states that the choice of the appropriate temperature depends more on the person's comfort and ability to drink adequate amounts of water than on absorption speed or direct health benefits.

The recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Athletic Trainers' Association support the consumption of relatively chilled water, as people tend to drink larger quantities of it compared to warm or hot water, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

Despite the common belief that cold water is better for the body, scientific evidence does not prove a clear physiological advantage. Scientists confirm that there is no conclusive evidence that the body absorbs cold water more efficiently than warm or room temperature water, but its moderate coldness makes it more appealing to drink and helps maintain hydration levels.

Regarding digestion, recent scientific studies indicate that the effect of water temperature on the stomach is extremely limited.

Scientific research comparing hot and cold beverages has shown a temporary change in stomach temperature, but it did not significantly affect gastric acid secretion, gastrin hormone levels, or gastric emptying speed. Therefore, room temperature water does not provide a special advantage for digestion, but it does not cause problems either.

As for iced water, some limited scientific studies suggest that it may slightly reduce the amount of food consumed if drunk before meals. In one study, individuals who drank half a liter of very cold water an hour before eating consumed fewer calories compared to those who drank warm water or water at body temperature.

However, researchers describe this effect as slight and insufficient to consider cold water an effective means of appetite control.

One downside of cold water is that it may cause some individuals to experience what is known as 'brain freeze' or tooth sensitivity when consumed quickly, making it an uncomfortable option for everyone.

In contrast, claims linking warm or hot water to detoxifying the digestive system lack strong scientific evidence. Scientists affirm that drinking warm water is acceptable if it is more comfortable for the person, but caution should be exercised with very hot liquids.

Rodriguez-Frias warns that regular consumption of beverages exceeding 65 degrees Celsius has been associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Therefore, the most important advice remains to choose a comfortable temperature for the body and to avoid drinks that may cause burns or irritation to the tissues.

In summary: There is no magic temperature for water that grants it exceptional health benefits, but moderately cold water or room temperature remains the most suitable option for most people, while maintaining adequate hydration is much more important than the temperature of the water itself.