The Curious Experiment
A daring medical doctor named Dr. Clauck from the UK Clinical Research Center conducted a fascinating experiment to investigate the cooling effects of cold drinks versus hot tea. He gathered a group of participants on a scorching 40°C day and divided them into four smaller groups. Each group was assigned to drink either a cold beverage, chilled tea, warm tea, or hot tea. After nine minutes, Dr. Clauck tested their skin temperatures to observe the changes.
The Results
Initially, those who had the cold drinks felt an instant refreshing sensation, but the instruments revealed that their body temperature dropped by less than 0.5°C. The group drinking chilled tea experienced a 0.8°C reduction, while the warm tea drinkers experienced a decrease of about 1.5°C. The most surprising outcome was that the hot tea drinkers showed an impressive drop of around 2°C.
The Hidden Cooling Power of Hot Tea
You might wonder why hot tea, seemingly counterintuitive, can effectively cool you down. The answer lies in the body’s cooling mechanism through sweating. According to research, for every 1g of sweat evaporated from the skin, approximately 0.58 calories of heat are dissipated. During sweltering days, sweating plays a crucial role in maintaining body temperature and preventing heatstroke.
When you sip hot tea, it triggers the dilation of your skin’s blood vessels and stimulates sweating, enabling the body to dissipate heat effectively. Additionally, the polyphenols in tea can stimulate saliva secretion, creating a cooling sensation in your mouth. Moreover, bioactive compounds in tea act as diuretics, promoting the elimination of excess heat and harmful waste through urine.
An Ancient Wisdom and Modern Nutrition Perspective
Interestingly, even traditional Chinese medicine has long advocated the benefits of drinking hot tea during scorching summers. Ancient medical texts, like Song dynasty’s Chen Chengzhong’s “Guang Bu Zhu Shen Nong Ben Cao,” praised tea for its ability to treat heat-related illnesses. Modern nutritionists also concur that, for cooling down in summer, cold drinks are not as effective as chilled tea, chilled tea falls short compared to warm tea (above 10°C), and warm tea is outperformed by hot tea (around 37°C or above).
Should I Drink Hot or Cold Tea in Summer?
You will surely find that my previous article said that cold brew tea is suitable for summer, but in fact, this is a question that should be analyzed for different situations.
While the scientific study reveals the objective and long-term cooling effects of hot tea, let’s not forget that context matters. If you’ve been out walking for miles under the blazing sun, sweating profusely, your first instinct might be to reach for an ice-cold tea. And that’s absolutely fine! Cold-brewed tea can be a refreshing relief in such situations.
However, if you are spending most of your time in an air-conditioned room with minimal physical activity, and sweating is not a major concern, then hot tea can be an excellent choice to keep your body cool and comfortable. Remember, not everyone’s digestive system can handle a constant intake of chilled drinks.
Conclusion
In the battle against summer heat, the choice between cold drinks and hot tea may seem like an inconsequential decision. Yet, science and ancient wisdom reveal that sipping hot tea during hot weather can offer surprising cooling benefits. By triggering our body’s natural cooling mechanisms and promoting effective heat dissipation, hot tea proves to be a reliable ally in beating the summer swelter.
It’s not just the Chinese who have the habit of drinking hot tea in the summer, but also the Indians and the nomads of the desert regions.
So, dear tea lovers, next time the mercury rises and beads of sweat form on your brow, consider embracing the time-honored tradition of savoring a steaming cup of tea. Whether it’s a classic green tea, a soothing herbal blend, or a fragrant oolong, let the comforting warmth of tea be your secret weapon in the fight against summer heat. Stay cool and enjoy your tea!
FAQ
Is it safe to drink hot tea during hot summer days? Won’t it lead to dehydration?
Answer: Yes, it is safe to drink hot tea in summer, and it won’t cause dehydration if consumed in moderation. While hot tea may initially induce sweating, this is your body’s natural way of regulating temperature. In fact, the increased sweating helps dissipate heat and can contribute to better cooling. Just remember to stay hydrated by drinking enough water alongside your tea intake to maintain a healthy fluid balance.
Can I add ice to my hot tea to make it cold without losing its benefits?
Answer: Absolutely! If you prefer your tea cold, you can brew a hot tea of your choice and let it cool before adding ice. This way, you retain the beneficial compounds present in the tea while enjoying a refreshing chilled version. Avoid brewing the tea directly with ice, as it may dilute the flavor and aroma.
Which types of hot tea are best for staying cool in summer?
Answer: While all hot teas can contribute to cooling effects, some varieties are particularly suited for summer enjoyment. Herbal teas like peppermint and hibiscus are known for their refreshing and soothing qualities, making them popular choices. Green tea and white tea, with their lower caffeine content, are also favored for their delicate flavors and potential cooling benefits. Experiment with different teas to discover your personal favorites for the summer season.