Have you ever reached for a tall glass of water on a hot summer day expecting it to be ice cold only to find it’s lukewarm, or worse, hot?! That’s like pouring salt in your coffee thinking that it’s sugar; disappointing at best and disgusting at worse.
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as ice water, especially during the warmer months. But why is that? Why does ice water taste so good? Scientists have a few theories. Read on to discover why we can’t seem to get enough of the cold stuff and why an ice and water machine is an excellent choice for your office.
Ice Suppresses the Flavor of the Beverage It’s In
Researchers believe most people prefer to drink ice water because it’s less flavorful than room temperature water. That might sound counterintuitive, but warm water (especially warm unfiltered water) tends to taste sweeter and more acidic. Cold water, on the other hand, suppresses the sensitivity of our taste buds and quells any impurities that make the water taste slightly different.
Humans Have an Acquired Taste for Cold Water
What sounds more appealing: a stagnant puddle or a flowing river? Most would choose a flowing river since in nature stagnant water is often an incubator for bacteria and parasites. Yet, water in a flowing river doesn’t have a chance to warm in the hot sun, which makes it harder for dangerous germs to survive and multiply.Some studiesfound the human species acquired a taste for cold water to protect ourselves from possible diseases.
Ice Water is More Refreshing After a Workout
The experience of drinking ice water when you’re overheated can quench your entire body, which is why you crave it during exercise. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke is common during the summer. When you drink ice water before, during, and after a workout it can delay or reduce the rise in your body temperature, providing a refreshing feeling in the process.
The Physical Sensation of Drinking Cold Water Tells Your Brain that You’re Rehydrating
Studies also suggest that the immediate relief we get from drinking ice water is purely psychological. Think back to the last time you were thirsty and couldn’t wait to chug a glass of water. When you finally did, was your thirst immediately satisfied? You probably felt refreshed even before the water had time to enter your stomach or your bloodstream. Researchers from the University of California San Francisco theorize the neurons in the brain that monitor blood composition can trigger the feeling of thirst whenever the body’s water levels are imbalanced. It is believed that as soon as you start drinking cold liquids, the signals from the neurons subside and they completely turn off once you consume enough liquid.
A Quench Ice and Water Machine Offers an Endless Supply of Clean, Great-Tasting Ice
Now you know why ice water tastes so good, but is it good for you? Some believe ice water causes a bodily imbalance and slows down the digestive process. Yet, Western medicine shows little evidence to prove that cold water is bad for you. According to research, ambient water between 50 and 72 degrees allows our bodies to rehydrate faster because it is absorbed more quickly. However, most people are more inclined to drink colder water, leaving them more hydrated than if they were to drink ambient water less frequently. Drinking cold water also burns slightly more calories than drinking ambient water. Regardless of temperature, water is good for overall health. It can help the body flush out toxins, aid digestion, and prevent constipation. The Quench Water Experts suggest going with what you prefer since you’ll most likely drink more of it.
If you’re trying to get your employees to drink more water this summer, we strongly recommend looking into a water cooler with an ice maker. Giving workers access to an endless supply of both water and ice is an effective way to get them to hydrate more frequently. Quench has several ice machine rental options that are great for the office this time of year. Some of our go-to ice machine rentals include theQuench 950,Quench 980-12, and theQuench 990 Series(available with SensorSAFE infrared touchless dispensing technology).
Ice maker machines not only encourage your workers to drink more, they’re a good way to boost the overall morale in your office. It can enhance the office ambience and offer a refreshing treat to look forward to throughout the day. Most businesses provide their workers with water coolers. But a water cooler with an ice maker is a definite upgrade from the office norms. Plus, ice dispensers are sure to be appreciated during the sweltering weather.
Quench offers a range ofice dispensersto improve different workplace environments. To help you determine which ice maker machine is best for your workplace, click here to use ourProduct Finder, and if you have any questions, just give us a call at 6109302334.
FAQs
Ice suppresses the flavor of the beverage it's in
Why does ice water taste so good? ›
Cold water tastes better because our taste buds perceive it differently. You're not imagining it—cold water really does taste different than warm water. Our brains perceive cold drinks as less flavorful than hot ones. That's because the cold temperature suppresses our tastebuds, and we simply do not taste as much.
Why does drinking cold water feel so good? ›
Cold water activates sensors just under our skin, which then increase our heart rate and add an adrenaline rush to give us that skittish and alive feeling. Adrenaline helps in keeping you alert and mentally ready.
Why does water taste so good? ›
To put it simply, it's science. Scientists have found that when your body is thirsty, your brain accepts water almost as a gift and decides to say thank you in the form of dopamine — a chemical that makes you happy and gives you pleasure. You instinctively associate that pleasure with the taste of the water.
Why is cold water so much better than hot water? ›
Consuming cold water reduces the prospect of sweating and hence prevents a larger degree of dehydration. It can also aid you in losing some extra kilos as water has been known to be a great booster of metabolism.
Is drinking ice-cold water good for you? ›
There's no evidence that drinking cold water is bad for your health. Both cold and room-temperature water will keep you hydrated. Drinking warm water has its own benefits, such as helping digestion and toxin removal.
Why am I craving cold water? ›
Craving ice and/or ice-cold drinks can also be associated with iron deficiency, with or without anemia.
Why do I love ice water so much? ›
Researchers suggest that many people prefer ice water over a room-temperature option because it's less flavorful. While this might seem counterintuitive, warm water — especially unfiltered — tends to taste sweeter and more acidic.
What does very cold water do to your body? ›
Cold water quickly removes heat from the body which could lead to cold water shock within the first minute, loss of muscle control within 10 minutes or hypothermia within 20 to 30 minutes.
Is it better to sip or gulp water? ›
It is indeed preferable to sip water rather than consume it rapidly. As your body has more time to properly absorb the water when you sip rather than gulp, you may stay more hydrated and avoid pain and digestive problems. Take little, steady sips to remain adequately hydrated without overloading your system.
At night, when the world quiets down and distractions fade away, something remarkable happens to our taste buds. With diminished distractions, our taste sensitivity becomes heightened, making even the simplest things like water taste extraordinary.
Why do I crave water? ›
The urge to drink too much may be the result of a physical or emotional disease. Excessive thirst may be a symptom of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which may be due to diabetes. Excessive thirst is a common symptom. It is often the reaction to fluid loss during exercise or to eating salty foods.
Which water tastes the best? ›
The Top 5 Best Tasting Waters
- Smart Water. Smart Water is bottled still water that is further enriched with electrolytes. ...
- Mountain Valley. “Back to the source,” says the Mountain Valley's motto, and when you take a sip from this bottled water you'd know what they mean. ...
- Fiji. ...
- Voss. ...
- Evian.
Cold water is preferred to warm water as a thirst quencher and cold products such as ice cream may also be perceived as pleasant because oral cooling satiates thirst.
Why do Chinese people drink hot water? ›
Ancient History
Another reason was that hot beverages were believed to expel humidity from the body, which was important for pregnant women, the elderly, and the sick. This connection between protecting and healing the weak gradually led the Chinese to link hot water with health.
Is ice water good for your face? ›
Cold water may provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and swelling associated with acne. However, excessive cold exposure can potentially exacerbate acne symptoms by drying out the skin and triggering excess oil production. Individuals with acne-prone skin need to use cold water in moderation.
Why does cold water not quench my thirst? ›
It does quench thirst, but the nerves in our esophagus which sense liquid temperature don't get stimulated when the liquid is near body temperature. Cool water IS sensed, and our brains say “Ah, now that's some water coming in!”…”let's shut down that thirst sensation.”
Is eating ice a good way to get water? ›
Is Eating Ice the Same As Drinking Water? Yes and no. Eating ice gives you some of the same benefits as water, but drinking water is a much more efficient method of hydration.
Why does 3am water taste so good? ›
One of the reasons why water tastes better at night is the power of relaxation. As we wind down from the day's activities, our bodies and minds enter a state of calmness. This relaxation has a profound impact on our overall sensory experience, including the taste of water.
Is it better to drink ice water or room temperature water? ›
Cold water can slow down your digestive system and metabolism by restricting blood flow. However, room temperature water or water around the same temperature as your body can have the opposite effect by stimulating your digestion as it doesn't disrupt your body's natural state.
