Ice cold swim is good for body and mind, says study

TAKING a dip in icy water may cut unhealthy body fat in men and reduce the risk of diabetes, a study suggests.

Fans of open-water swimming reported weight loss, better mental health and increased libido, according to researchers in Norway.

Their review of 104 studies also indicated a positive link between cold water swimming and brown adipose tissue, which burns calories to maintain a constant body temperature, unlike “bad” white fat which stores energy.

They suggest this may protect against obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But overall the review was inconclusive as the team, which warned about the dangers of hypothermia when immersed in cold water, said it was unclear whether or not winter swimmers were naturally healthier people.

The findings are published in the