Cold plunges are all over the internet these days. Pioneered by Wim Hof, short plunges in ice-cold water are said to improve overall health and immunity. Influencers and celebrities like Harry Styles, Kendall Jenner and Madonna swear by them, but what are the benefits? Proponents say cold plunges help reduce stress, improve sleep and boost ‘happy hormones’ like serotonin. Some also claim that they boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. They are also said to help with weight loss, by converting white fat tissue into brown fat which your body burns as fuel. For beginners, just one minute can be enough to see the stress-relieving benefits. Now a feature in many spas, you can also buy at-home ice baths for budget-friendly plunges. While not all the claims have been backed by science, experts recommend starting slow and steady.