I have seen articles on this before, and some supposed scientific “facts” behind it, and it’s always made we wonder. I recently saw it circulating on Facebook too, so though I’d see if anyone had some real info on it.
Basically, the idea is that if you drink cold water (as opposed to room temperature), the cold water solidifies/coagulates the oily and fatty foods you’ve consumed. It’s claimed this has various effects, such as lining the intestines, or gets more fat absorbed into the bloodstream, less vitamins absorbed, etc., which can lead to digestive problems, higher obesity, higher risk of cancer, etc.
No, but I have heard this myth repeated (generally by older people) in two places I know well: tropical parts of Mexico, and Malaysia. Either it’s a coincidence, or there’s a common source – perhaps Renaissance-era ideas from the Iberian Peninsula (Malaysia was subjected to Portuguese influence for a while, and of course Mexico was settled by Spaniards.)
If the problem is cold coagulated fats, then surely ice cream would be pure death?
I know that’s not the most scientific refutation of that idea, but it’s pretty compelling to me. I see that someone else has linked some good resources that address it from a more factual basis.
Here in Mexico, they won’t drink anything cold, if they have a cold or flu. I have seen people in la cantina order a room temperature beer (90 degrees) if they have a cold or flu. But I don’t subscribe to it. It is a myth.
Definitely a myth. Here the water out of the tap is too warm to drink. I get water from the dispenser in the freezer door. And if cold water is bad for you, putting ice in your drink should be worse.
England, 1986. Went to buy an ice cream in the park. Guy behind the counter tried to stop me, saying I shouldn’t eat cold things on hot days. Um, then why the fuck are you even selling it?
Per the OP; No, drinking cold water is not harmful in any way. On the extreme, if you are overheating, it will help cool you off.
Although, any water-based liquid, at any drinkable temperature, will help cool you off if you’re overheating. Cold water is better for that purpose, but only slightly.
Good thing we never expose a large area of our circulatory system to cold or even frigid temperatures through a large membrane or skin which would instantly congeal any lipids or fa… hey, waitasecond…
And China. Everywhere. You have to ask if cold beer is available otherwise you’re likely to get a tepid one. I climbed a mountain and ordered several bottles of cold water in the restaurant. They thought I was crazy because a hot water pot was available free in the hotel room. Hot water is served by default in most Chinese restaurants (like cold water was once common in USA restaurants). Women refuse to drink anything cold during that special time of the month, and are largely suspicious of it at other times.
It’s interesting that you mention Mexico. Other than a couple of my older in-laws, I’ve not seen an aversion to cold drinks. Especially beer. However when warm soda pop, etc., is served, no one complains like we would in the USA (warm Coke? WTF?).