Taking a long, relaxing bath can help burn unwanted calories, according to a study. The benefits of soaking in hot water can be compared to the positive effects of a 30-minute walk. Not only does it accelerate the burning of calories, but it also improves blood sugar levels. If all things in life were so easy!
We believe that every habit to improve our quality of life counts, so we can’t wait to share all this amazing news with you.
Your Body Burns Calories While You Take A Bath
How This Technique Works
Research by an exercise physiologist at Loughborough University in the UK showed that men who showered for an hour in 104 ° F (40 ° C) water burned about 140 calories.
It also showed that a hot bath lowered their peak blood sugar levels more efficiently than exercise, which is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
The key here is time and temperature. Ideally, you would need to shower for an hour, so you need a little free time in your schedule. Also, the water temperature should be a constant 40 ° C. You will probably not get the same results with a lukewarm bath.
The experiment was conducted only on men, so women may respond differently and may not burn as many calories as men. Results depend on the person’s weight and body type, and for these reasons it is difficult to predict the outcome.
Why It’s Effective
Scientists believe that this technique works because our bodies produce so-called “heat shock proteins” when body temperature rises. This happens when a person exercises, but it turns out that passive warm-up can also have the same effect on its own.
Heat shock proteins are released in response to stress, therefore, they contribute to the regulation of blood sugar levels and can help control a healthy weight.
But Taking A Bath Can’t Completely Replace Exercising
Unfortunately, a hot bath cannot replace exercise or be as effective as exercise. For example, you can burn about 630 calories cycling for the same amount of time.
Keeping your body active has other health benefits as well, including preventing many serious illnesses like strokes, high blood pressure, and psychological disorders.
Taking a hot bath for an hour can be a great supplemental activity for when you can’t get adequate exercise and for people who need to control their blood glucose levels.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for a healthy life, but it is always useful to discover new ways to improve our well-being. When it comes to an easy, quiet, and relaxing activity, that’s even better.
Was it an amazing discovery for you? Are you willing to try this “trick”? Share with us what you think about this!
Preview photo credit Sweet November / Warner Bros.
