World Water Day 2025: Does Drinking Ice-Cold Water Help Burn Calories? Or Is It A Health Hazard (Image Credits: iStock)
World Water Day 2025: Water is essential for life, but does its temperature make a difference to our health? This World Water Day 2025, one common question arises: Can drinking ice-cold water help burn calories, or does it pose health risks? Many people believe that consuming cold water boosts metabolism, aiding in weight loss, while others worry about its potential negative effects on digestion and overall health.
Many people believe that drinking ice-cold water can boost metabolism and help burn extra calories. The idea is based on the principle that the body must work harder to warm the water to body temperature, using energy in the process. But how much truth is there to this claim? And could drinking ice-cold water have any negative effects on your health?
Does Drinking Ice-Cold Water Burn Calories?
The theory that cold water burns calories is based on thermogenesis, the process by which the body generates heat. When you consume something colder than your body temperature (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C), your system must expend energy to warm it up.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking 500 mL (about 16.9 ounces) of water increased metabolic rate by approximately 30 per cent for about an hour. However, only a small fraction of this energy was used to heat the water; the majority of the increase was due to other factors, such as the body's response to hydration.
How Many Calories Does Cold Water Actually Burn?
A common estimate suggests that drinking 500 mL of ice-cold water burns around 17 calories. To put this into perspective:
One slice of bread has around 80 calories, meaning you’d need to drink about 2.3 gallons (8.7 litres) of ice water to burn the equivalent calories.
Clearly, the calorie-burning effect of ice water is minimal and unlikely to contribute significantly to weight loss.
Does Cold Water Have Any Benefits?
While drinking ice-cold water might not be a weight-loss hack, it does have some advantages:
Improves Workout Performance: A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that athletes who drank cold water during exercise performed better in hot conditions.
Potential Health Risks of Drinking Ice-Cold Water
While cold water has some benefits, excessive consumption may have certain drawbacks.
1. Digestive Issues
Drinking very cold water can slow digestion. Research suggests that cold temperatures may constrict blood vessels in the stomach, potentially hindering digestion and nutrient absorption. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, warm or room-temperature water is often preferred because it aids digestion.
2. Can Trigger Migraines
For people prone to migraines, consuming ice-cold drinks can act as a trigger. A study in Cephalalgia, the journal of the International Headache Society, found that cold water consumption increased the likelihood of headaches, particularly in women who were already prone to migraines.
3. Increases Throat and Sinus Problems
Cold beverages can cause mucus buildup in the respiratory tract, leading to a stuffy nose and sore throat. A study in Chest Journal found that people with common colds experienced worsened symptoms after drinking cold water compared to those who drank warm liquids.
4. May Cause "Brain Freeze"
Ever had a sharp headache after drinking something very cold? This is known as sphenopalatine ganglion neuralgia, or "brain freeze." It happens when extreme cold rapidly cools the roof of the mouth, triggering nerve pain in the head.
Should You Drink Ice-Cold Water?The decision to drink ice-cold water depends on personal preference and health conditions. While it offers some benefits, it is not a magic solution for burning calories. If you suffer from migraines, sinus issues, or digestive concerns, you should opt for room temperature or warm water instead.
So, while drinking ice-cold water won’t melt away fat, it can still be a refreshing and hydrating choice—just be mindful of when and how often you drink it.
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