Taking cold water baths would be beneficial for eliminating bad fat, fighting obesity and reducing the risk of developing certain diseases such as diabetes.
- Swimming in cold water during the winter has similar benefits to cold water baths.
- According to a 2021 study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, immersing yourself in cold water after a sauna would help the body better regulate its temperature.
Very popular in some Nordic countries, cold water baths are said to be good for your health. A recent study published in the journal International Journal of Circumpolar Health details the benefits of this practice on our body.
Swimming in cold water: benefits that are difficult to assess
During their work, the scientists analyzed more than one hundred studies on the positive effects ofCold water on the human body. “Numerous studies have demonstrated positive effects of cold water immersion on various physiological and biochemical parameters, explain the authors. But it is difficult to assess whether these are actually beneficial to health.”.
The authors believe that the good results obtained by the participants who bathed regularly in cold water were not necessarily linked to this practice. “They can be explained by other factors, including an active lifestyle, good stress management, social interactions, as well as a positive state of mind.” continue the scientists. Nevertheless, scientists have still managed to bring out the real positive effects of these cold baths on the body, whether it is swimming in cold water or baths.
Brown adipose tissue burns calories
First of all, the researchers’ work highlights the fact that swimming in cold water would activate good body fat, brown adipose tissue. This is made up of cells whose role is to burn glucose in order to produce heat. Thus, by fulfilling its function in contact with cold water, the good fat burns calories and thus makes it possible to fight against obesity.
Another benefit of cold water: the reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Indeed, when a person is immersed in cold water, his heart rate increases enormously. Thus, some of the work studied by the researchers showed that cardiovascular risks were improved in people who were often in contact with cold water.
Cold water to limit the risk of obesity and diabetes
Finally, cold water also helps prevent the onset of diabetes. Indeed, cold water activates the production of adiponectin, a hormone produced by fatty tissue. This has a close link with the risk of obesity – when its levels are low – and the occurrence of insulin resistance observed in diabetics. Thus, bathing in cold water, and therefore activating the production of adiponectin, also helps to fight obesity and prevent the development of diabetes.
Nevertheless, scientists point out that bathing in cold water is not without risk. If the entry into the water is too rapid, the person may experience hydrocution or, if left too long, hypothermia.
So, if you want to try your hand at the practice, don’t do it haphazardly: get into the water gradually and get out if you don’t feel well.
