- By Prerna Targhotra
- Tue, 06 Aug 2024 05:54 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Side-Effects Of Drinking Cold Water: For many people who want a toned body and a healthier lifestyle, belly fat is a typical issue. Lifestyle decisions like beverage temperature can have an impact on body fat management, in addition to the well-established effects of food and exercise. It has come up in recent debates whether giving up cold drinks and water can help reduce abdominal fat faster.
Quitting cold water and drinks is often suggested as a way to lose belly fat quickly, but Dietitian Preeti Pande from Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow clarifies that there is no direct link between cold water and belly fat reduction. However, the type of drinks you consume can significantly impact your overall health and specifically your belly fat.
Can Drinking Cold Water Reduce Belly Fat?
Dr Preeti points out that every serving of cold drinks contains around eight to ten teaspoons of sugar. These sugars are essentially empty calories, providing no protein or essential micronutrients. Often, these sugars are listed under various names like glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maple syrup, honey, sucrose, and cane sugar to mislead the public. This deceptive labelling can make it difficult for consumers to recognize just how much sugar they are consuming.
First and foremost, everyone must read the ingredient list to understand the nutritional value of the product. If you see names like fructose, corn syrup, or cane sugar, or if the product indicates 30 grams or 60 grams of carbohydrates, then it is essentially pure sugar syrup. Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid unnecessary sugar intake.
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How Sugary Drinks Affect Your Body
When you consume these sugary beverages, the glucose and fructose present cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels. The body, which isn't adapted to handle such sudden sugar surges, releases high amounts of insulin to regulate blood sugar. Insulin is responsible for converting excess sugar into fat, particularly storing it around the abdominal area. Over time, this leads to an increase in belly fat and other related health issues.
Fructose is particularly concerning because it is metabolised in the liver, where it can easily be converted into fat. Consistent consumption of high-fructose beverages can result in the accumulation of visceral fat, the type of fat that surrounds your internal organs and is linked to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Side-Effects Of Drinking Sugary Drinks (Image Credits: Canva)
Even zero-calorie drinks, which might seem like a healthier option, can have negative effects. These beverages often contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame. While they don’t add sugar to your diet, they can still trigger insulin release similar to sugary drinks. High insulin levels, even in the absence of sugar, can lead to insulin resistance, a condition that makes it difficult to lose fat and increases the risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, many of these drinks contain phosphoric acid, which can hinder your body’s ability to absorb calcium, increasing the risk of developing kidney stones. The excessive insulin produced in response to sugary and artificially sweetened drinks can have widespread effects on your health beyond just belly fat. It can contribute to infertility in women, tooth enamel erosion, and disturb the body’s electrolyte balance.
This imbalance can lead to dehydration, causing frequent urination and a persistent urge to drink more, creating a vicious cycle. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining muscle function, nerve signalling, and overall bodily functions.
In summary, while cutting out cold water specifically may not directly result in belly fat loss, eliminating sugary and artificially sweetened drinks from your diet can significantly reduce belly fat and improve overall health. By avoiding these drinks and opting for healthier alternatives, you can better manage your weight and prevent the numerous health risks associated with high sugar and artificial sweetener intake.
