Many people have heard their parents and science teacher talked about the benefits of drinking eight glasses of water a day -- an advice many brushed off intentionally or unknowingly when they were kids. It may be because drinking a can of soda in place of water is more satisfying.

Nowadays, however, more and more people are becoming aware of the many benefits water can give. From weight loss to glowing skin, drinking a fair amount of water is a ritual one should religiously follow every day.

More specifically, the intake of warm or hot water has been a health trend over the years. Some people might feel uncomfortable at the mere thought of gulping water that's not from the refrigerator; however, think about the amazing benefits of drinking hot water. While some remain unaware of these benefits, there's a pretty good number of those who testify that indeed, warm to hot water is the best version yet!

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water

1. Improve digestion
   Obviously, water is liquid, which means it can lubricate surfaces and tracts. Drinking hot water in particular not only activates the digestive tract but also soothes it like how women ease menstrual cramps with a hot pack. When water is taken, it hydrates organs and helps eliminate waste. Moreover, hot water can break down and dissolve food, especially fatty ones, that you've eaten that can hinder good digestion.

2. Relieve constipation
   Constipation is often a result of taking in a limited amount of water. Many people can attest to the pain that comes with constipation, and hydration is one natural solution to prevent it. The intake of hot water aids in the contraction of intestines, thereby helping in passing out trapped waste in the intestinal tract. Hot water, therefore, helps you maintain a regular bowel movement.

3. Aid in blood circulation
   Ever heard of people taking warm baths for a more efficient circulation of blood in their body? Well, hot water does the same to one's body when taken. The life of any living thing is in the blood, so blood flow affects everything that happens inside the body.

4. Aids in vasodilation or the expanding of blood vessels
   It's beneficial for a good blood flow, thereby stabilizing blood pressure and decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Further, drinking hot water before sleeping can help calm nerves and soothe organs for a more peaceful sleep (just mind the amount to avoid getting up to the restroom).
   Because of the increased temperature, the body compensates by activating metabolism. Increased metabolism means the person is burning more calories. Further, taking in more water can leave an uncomfortable feeling of water retention. Drinking hot water can help eliminate waste products and therefore bloating.

5. Help lose weight
   The correlation between drinking water and weight loss has long been a subject of research, with many studies supporting the idea that the former helps in losing weight. This may be partially attributed to the increased feeling of fullness when drinking water, thereby preventing one to eat more, and the fact that water aids in nutrient absorption and bowel movement.

6. Clear out toxins
   Toxins are poisonous to cells. When one drinks hot water or takes a warm bath, the internal body temperature consequently rises, thereby activating the body's endocrine system. Once activated, the person will start to sweat. Sweating, though uncomfortable, is a natural way of getting rid of toxins and irritants in the body and cleaning the pores. Drinking hot water, therefore, is a simple way to detoxify the body.

7. Prevent premature aging
   Aside from helping to detoxify and cleanse the body, drinking warm water has also amazing benefits to the skin. The skin is sensitive to hydration, so adequate water intake significantly contributes to good condition and elasticity. Hot water increases skin elasticity and improves its ability to repair skin problems.
   Drinking hot water, therefore, helps prevent one of the women's worst nightmares -- premature aging. Some signs of skin premature aging include dryness, wrinkles, and dark blotches.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Drinking Hot Water

Despite the many great benefits of drinking hot water, it is not meant to be a cure for diseases and illnesses. In fact, if not drink appropriately, such drinking habit can bring about effects that can do more harm than good. For a safer way of getting the most out of the benefits of drinking warm water, read on below.

1. Make sure to drink at the right temperature
   When drinking, the temperature of the water is a vital factor to consider. As any hot stuff, hot water can cause scalds and burns. The lining of the digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, is sensitive, so there's a high chance of harming them when we drink hot water.
   Make it a habit to check the temperature of the water before gulping. Generally, the water should be between 120 to 140°F. Never go beyond 160°F as it will be very hot for our lips and digestive tract to handle.

2. Consume the right amount
   While drinking water is vital to prevent dehydration, consuming too much also poses a risk to the body and overall health. If there's an excessive amount of water in the blood, it will lead to dilution of electrolytes. The body will then try to maintain a balance by pushing the water out of the blood to the cells, causing swelling that may affect the vital organs of the body such as the brain. Health agencies suggest consuming to consume at least 2 liters of water a day to keep the cells properly hydrated.

There's no need to think...

While it is more comfortable and thirst-quenching to consume cold water, drinking warm or hot water, as discussed above, can have a pile of health benefits. It doesn't only aid in good digestion, but also has an effect on weight and detoxification. If you're not yet fond of hot water, it's about time to kickstart your mornings with a cup! Add a twist to it by adding a lemon for a more enjoyable taste.