Our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water. Consumption of it is not only essential to being alive, but it can also have a dramatic effect on our moods and feelings. In fact, many types of pain are caused by dehydration. Headaches, back or joint aches, constipation and even bad breath can be caused by not drinking enough water.

Fluids are vital for your body’s health; hydration is important for keeping muscles healthy, maintaining focus and concentration, and battling tiredness. You’ve already heard the drill about misreading thirstiness as hunger pangs. If you’re undertaking an intense fitness workout, then it’s doubly important to dose up on fluids to ensure that your body doesn’t become dehydrated.

We all know we should drink more water. But in the bleak midwinter, often the last thing you want to be gulping down is icy cold, plain water. Here comes the good news - there are just as many benefits to be gained from drinking hot water as there are to drinking its chilled sibling.