Why do they say that its best to drink water at room temperature?

Question

I enjoy water ice cold, however, i heard that its best to drink water at room temperature. Is this true and if so, why? Does anybody know?

Answer 1

I hate to be served iced water in a restaurant - it leaves a mark on the white tablecloth - right at the beginning - just like a Baptism!!

Answer 2

Well, they say really cold water damages your throat and that it harms your stomach because it is constantly working and it's hot, so it's kind of like taking a pan off the stove and submerging it in cold water.

That's why your stomach can process room temperature water, because it doesn´t have to warm it up.

But that´s more or less just what I've heard.

Edit: Agree with the above, I've heard the calorie thing too. But have heard it's unhealthy otherwise.

Answer 3

ok so i just read about this in the newspaper a few days ago....it had  all sorts of different drinks and what temp they are supposed to be when you drink them to get the most benifit/best taste and the article said that americans drink their water way to cold, but there is no real downside to drinking it that way other then it doesnt fill you up as much as room temp water would because it shocks your body and you feel cold instead of feeling the water in your belly...hope i explained that clearly

Answer 4

I've never heard that in all the time I've spent in foodservice.  I've actually heard the opposite, that ice water makes your body burn more calories than room temp. water.  

But I'm no certified food scientist.

Answer 5

Your body cannot use water that is not body temperature.

At room temperature water is closest to your body temp and can be used more quickly. If cold your body can use more calories to warm it up. However, on hot days or if you are exercising that is the last thing you want your body to do. You want your body to keep as cool as possible not go into heat up mode when you are overheated.