Taking a dip in cold water may help cut ‘bad’ body fat in men and even decrease the risk of diabetes, according to a new study. The study was published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health, a peer-reviewed journal.

Source: SciShow/YouTube

Many of the 104 studies that the authors analyzed show that there were significant effects from cold water swimming, including brown fat, also known as ‘good fat’, which can help burn calories. According to the study’s authors, being in cold water may help protect against obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The review was not conclusive on the overall health benefits of cold-water bathing, say the team of review authors from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and the University Hospital of North Norway.

Most of the available research involved a small number of participants and mostly only male participants. It is still unclear if people who swim or take dips in cold water are healthier.

“From this review, it is clear that there is increasing scientific Support that voluntary exposure to cold water may have some beneficial health effects,” lead author James Mercer said.

“Many of the studies demonstrated significant effects of cold-water immersion on various physiological and biochemical parameters. But the question as to whether these are beneficial or not for health is difficult to assess.”

“Based on the results from this review, many of the health benefits claimed from regular cold exposure may not be causal. Instead, they may be explained by other factors including an active lifestyle, trained stress handling, social interactions, as well as a positive mindset,” he said.

The authors say that it is important to be educated about taking dips in ice water and knowing the possible health risks. There are risks of hypothermia and of heart and lung issues which are often related to the shock from the cold.

Related Content:

• The Benefits of Cold Showers
• The Health Benefits of Cryotherapy
• How to Make Your Own Shower Steamers
• Health Benefits of Cold Weather and Foods
• Simple Guide to Wim Hof Breathing Method For Improved Health
• The Health Benefits of Forest Bathing, A Mindful Way to Connect with Nature

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take the initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that are raising awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your own food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!