Why do some people say that drinking hot water is better than drinking cold water? The Chinese Yin Yang philosophy advocates the notion that warm water (around body temperature for optimum effect) can act as the Yang to your Yin imbalances such as colds, headaches, tiredness and bloating.

We have been reading about the recognisable effects of drinking two litres of water a day for years, and most of us have become aware of the fact that 80% of our body is composed of water.

Taking into account the fact that our core body temperature is 37 degrees C, and embracing the knowledge behind Far Eastern rituals, it would appear that drinking hot water is actually better for our health.

It’s not just the Chinese philosophy that supports the benefits of drinking hot water; Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest medical systems, has always favoured drinking hot water.

The benefits of drinking hot water

• It cleans your digestion
• It relieves constipation
• It alleviates menstrual pain
• It helps with weight loss
• It improves circulation
• It halts premature aging
• It prevents acne and spots
• It prevents dandruff
• It eases sore throats and nasal congestion

The Western world seems to be catching up with our Eastern counterparts in the knowledge of how our bodies and energy systems work, and physicians are now making recommendations to drink hot water in the morning, with the juice of half a lemon to reduce the production of free radicals in the body. Other ingredients can also be added to your hot water to spice it up a little, ginger (with its known healing properties) being a popular choice.

So maybe it’s about time we stopped thinking our grandparents insistence on drinking hot drinks on the boiling hot beach as rather erratic, and immerse ourselves into the tradition.

Keeping healthy

In our fast paced lives, the desire to improve our bodies, both inside and out has never been more prevalent. Constantly barraged with all manner of fitness programmes, diet planners, cosmetic enhancements, traditional and alternative medicines, it’s quite refreshing to know that something as basic as hot water has the potential to help us achieve our ultimate goal – being healthy!

As Jim Rohn, the late motivational leader, sums it up quite nicely: “Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.”

(Photo by Joshua Rappeneker)