An icy swim could have significant health benefits, including reducing body fat and the risk of diseases such as diabetes, a study has found.
Some 104 studies were reviewed by researchers, who found that many reported major health benefits of cold water swimming, including good fats that help burn calories.
It could help prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease, but the researchers said the overall health benefits were unclear.
The review indicated what appears to be a positive link between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue (BAT).
BAT is good body fat that is activated by cold, burning calories to maintain body temperature.
It is different from the “bad” white fat which stores energy.
Repeated icy swims could significantly increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin concentrations, according to the study.
Researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the University Hospital of North Norway have completed the study, which is published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
Much of the available research involved small numbers of people, often of one sex, and with different water temperatures and salt levels, the researchers said.
And it’s unclear whether winter swimmers are naturally healthier, they added.
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Lead author James Mercer, from UiT, said: “From this review, it is clear that there is growing scientific support that voluntary exposure to cold water may have beneficial effects on health.
“Numerous studies have demonstrated significant effects of cold water immersion on various physiological and biochemical parameters.
“But whether or not these are beneficial to health is difficult to assess.
“Based on the results of this review, many health benefits claimed from regular exposure to cold may not be causal.
“Instead, they can be explained by other factors, including an active lifestyle, trained stress management, social interactions, as well as a positive mindset.
“Without further conclusive studies, the subject will continue to be debated.”
The researchers warned that swimming in freezing water also carries risks, such as hypothermia and heart and lung problems from temperature shock.
An icy swim could have significant health benefits, including reducing body fat and the risk of diseases such as diabetes, a study has found.
Some 104 studies were reviewed by researchers, who found that many reported major health benefits of cold water swimming, including good fats that help burn calories.
It could help prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease, but the researchers said the overall health benefits were unclear.
The review indicated what appears to be a positive link between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue (BAT).
BAT is good body fat that is activated by cold, burning calories to maintain body temperature.
It is different from the “bad” white fat which stores energy.
Repeated icy swims could significantly increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin concentrations, according to the study.
Researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway and the University Hospital of North Norway have completed the study, which is published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
Much of the available research involved small numbers of people, often of one sex, and with different water temperatures and salt levels, the researchers said.
And it’s unclear whether winter swimmers are naturally healthier, they added.
Read more:
Russian ice swimmers oblivious to biting cold
Lewis Pugh will attempt the ‘coldest swim in the world’ – and says it will be the toughest of his career
Lead author James Mercer, from UiT, said: “From this review, it is clear that there is growing scientific support that voluntary exposure to cold water may have beneficial effects on health.
“Numerous studies have demonstrated significant effects of cold water immersion on various physiological and biochemical parameters.
“But whether or not these are beneficial to health is difficult to assess.
“Based on the results of this review, many health benefits claimed from regular exposure to cold may not be causal.
“Instead, they can be explained by other factors, including an active lifestyle, trained stress management, social interactions, as well as a positive mindset.
“Without further conclusive studies, the subject will continue to be debated.”
The researchers warned that swimming in freezing water also carries risks, such as hypothermia and heart and lung problems from temperature shock.