Most people reach for a cup of coffee or a cold cup of water right upon waking up. But, it turns out that in order to get the most benefits of drinking liquid in the morning you should enjoy a warm cup of water instead.

Multiple studies have shown that drinking warm water on an empty stomach offers a wide plethora of health benefits and is one of the best ways to jump-start your day for maximum productivity. Here is a short list outlining some of those health benefits:

1. It Relieves Pain

Drinking warm water has the ability to reduce swelling in the throat, which in turn provides a temporary pain relief. It indeed works wonders for irritated and dry throats, too.

This is especially useful during mornings when you wake up with a dry throat which causes you pain as you swallow. Amazingly, a notable improvement can be experienced after taking the first sip of warm water. Ultimately, warm water also soothes cramps by relaxing the muscles of the stomach.

2. Improves Bowel Movements

A study done by the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility has shown that up to 58 percent of patients suffering from achalasia, a condition in which the muscles of the lower part of the esophagus fail to relax, experienced notable improvement in their condition after drinking warm water.

Drinking a glass of warm water on an empty stomach is a good way to stimulate the colon to move the bowels easier. In addition, it sets the body for better absorption of food during the day.

3. Improves Circulation

Drinking warm water improves blood flow in the body`s circulatory system. It has been scientifically shown that when the body is exposed to warm temperature, the blood cell flow initially raises by a dramatic amount.

Then, it drops back to normal rate of blood flow and starts to gradually increase the longer it is exposed to the warmth. Warm water basically improves circulation by warming up the body from within.

4. Weight Loss

While staying well hydrated is generally beneficial for weight loss, it turns out that taking it warm is the best way to consume this liquid. In a study done by Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine focused on a group of overweight women who were given large amount of warm water. At the end of the study, it was found that women had experienced a notable decrease in appetite, weight, and body mass index.

Why Is Drinking Cold Water Bad For You?

Having a glass of cold water on a hot, summer day is one of the best feelings ever! It indeed helps cool down in a matter of seconds, but it does many other things to your body at the same time. Unfortunately, those things are anything but good for you.

Cold water constricts the blood vessels, which in turn reduces hydration
Drinking cold water causes the body to work hard to digest food as cold liquids solidify the fats in the bloodstream
The body expands energy when you drink cold water in order to heat it up and use it
Cold water forms excess mucus in the respiratory system, leading to congestion and higher risk of infections like throat infection

Sources:

http://juicing-for-health.com/things-that-happen-when-you-drink-warm-water

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/drink-extra-fluids-and-increase-humidity-to-soothe-strep-throat-topic