Immersing yourself in an ice-cold bath can seem a little repulsive. And yet, we should all think about it: because a new study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health once again shows that the effects of very cold water on the body are interesting!
Scientists have taken the results of 104 studies on the issuewho observed beneficial effects to this type of bathing from a physiological and biochemical point of view.
First, very cold water is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, they explain, because of the intense rhythm it imposes on the heart. Then, it is very good for fighting diabetes, obesity, and generally for reducing body fat.
Diabetes, obesity, heart…
On the diabetes side, this is explained by the activation, thanks to low-temperature water, of a hormone, adiponectin, which is useful to avoid insulin resistance. On the fat storage side, ice water stimulates a certain type of fat, called brown adipose tissue, which consumes glucose and causes the body to heat up. This action is particularly observed when swimming in very cold water.
However, the researchers specify that all these elements are observed in people who had a parallel good management of their stress, who were rather in a good state of mind, who had a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, it is difficult (…)
Breast cancer: why do some women relapse and not others?
Why does Brittany have a skin cancer rate three times higher than the national average?
Cold or Covid-19, how to tell the difference?
Breast cancer: 6 good reasons to respond to organized screening
Alzheimer’s: promising results for a drug that slows cognitive decline