In a recent review of more than 100 studies, scientists determined that one of the most significant changes that occurs in the body during exposure to cold air, but especially cold water, is that white fat adipose tissue is converted into brown fat adipose tissue, (BFAT).

BFAT is kind a like a "working fat," rather than a storage fat, because it burns calories to maintain body temperature to repel the cold, unlike "bad" white fat which stores the energy up.

Experts say the increasing popularity of cold exposure to air or water, sometimes called "cryotherapy" will have an impact on fats could prevent obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Dunking yourself in cold water during the winter months has also been found to reduce the risk of diabetes by significantly increasing insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin concentration.

Adiponectin is produced by BFAT, and it plays a vital role in protecting against insulin resistance, diabetes, and other diseases. Cold water dips' impact on insulin worked for experienced and inexperienced swimmers alike.

Another huge benefit of cold water immersion that doesn't relate to obesity is that being up to your neck in water around 40°F, your brain's production of norepinephrine increase 300% in just a few minutes, while a dunk long enough to convert your WFAT cells to BFAT cells, at more manageable temperatures of 57°F, will increase norepinephrine by 500%.

Norepinephrine is similar to adrenaline, and leads to a feeling of positive elation. It's also a neurotransmitter, basically meaning it facilities the speed of brain activity.