Can drinking hot beverages help cool you off during a heatwave?

Are you feeling the heatwave this weekend in the UK? With temperatures soaring and today being the hottest day of the year, many of us are searching for ways to stay cool. While it's common knowledge that staying hydrated is crucial, there's a debate about the best temperature for our drinks. We might think a refreshing glass of ice-cold water is the way to go, but surprisingly, hot drinks may actually be better.

So, can hot drinks really cool you down in hot weather? Move over, water, because studies from the University of Ottawa School of Human Kinetics suggest that the answer is yes. Drinking a hot beverage triggers a sweat response, which helps to cool the body without significantly raising its core temperature. As the sweat evaporates on the surface of our skin, we feel cooler and more comfortable. However, it's worth noting that this method only works in environments where the sweat can evaporate easily, so it may not be as effective in humid areas or if you're wearing layers of clothing.

According to researcher Ollie Jay from the University of Ottawa, "If you drink a hot drink, it does result in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body, provided the additional sweat that's produced when you drink the hot drink can evaporate." However, this cooling effect may not be as immediate or satisfying as an ice-cold drink. So, while hot drinks can cool you down, they may not have the same instant relief as a cold beverage.

But don't toss out your iced drinks just yet. Hot drinks may not be suitable for everyone in certain situations. As Jay explains, "On a very hot and humid day, if you're wearing a lot of clothing, or if you're having so much sweat that it starts to drip on the ground and doesn't evaporate from the skin's surface, then drinking a hot drink is a bad thing." In these cases, a cold drink may be more effective in helping you cool down.

So, there you have it. Hot drinks can indeed cool you down, but it's important to consider the environment and your body's natural cooling mechanisms before swapping out your iced drinks for a hot cuppa. With this newfound knowledge, the next time the temperature rises, you can decide whether to reach for a refreshing cold drink or a comforting hot beverage. What's your preference? Let us know in the comments below.

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