According to one review, swimming in ice can have significant health benefits, including reduced body fat and risk of diseases like diabetes.
About 104 studies were examined by researchers, who found that many reported major health benefits from cold water swimming, including good fats that help burn calories.
This may help prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease, but the overall health benefits are unclear, the researchers say.
The review points to what appears to be a positive association between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue (BAT).
BAT is a good fat in the body that is activated by the cold, burning calories to maintain body temperature.
It is different from the “bad” white fat that stores energy.
Research shows that repeated ice swimming can significantly increase insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin levels.
Researchers from Norway’s UiT Arctic University and from the University Hospital of Northern Norway completed the study, which was published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health.
The researchers say a lot of the existing research involves a small number of people, often of the same sex, with different water temperatures and salt levels.
And it’s unclear whether winter swimmers are naturally healthier, they added.
Read more:
Russian ice swimmers can’t stand the bitter cold
Lewis Pugh tries to ‘swim in the coldest water on Earth’ – and says it will be the biggest challenge of his career
Lead author James Mercer, from UiT, said: “From this assessment, it is clear that there is growing scientific support that voluntary exposure to cold water may have some beneficial effects. for health.
“Many studies have demonstrated the significant impact of cold water immersion on various physiological and biochemical parameters.
“But the question of whether these are beneficial to health is difficult to assess.
“Based on the results from this review, many of the claimed health benefits from chronic cold exposure may not be the cause.
“Instead, they may be explained by other factors including an active lifestyle, trained stress management, social interactions, as well as a positive mindset.
“Without further conclusive studies, this topic will continue to be a subject of debate.”
The researchers warn that swimming in icy water also carries risks, such as hypothermia and heart and lung problems associated with temperature shock.
