During the summer, as temperatures rise, we often prefer cold drinks, believing they help regulate our internal body temperature and provide a refreshing feeling.
For the Tuareg community, who live in some of the hottest regions in the world—the Sahara Desert—they prefer to drink hot beverages. So what should you switch to when temperatures peak?
In this article, you will discover that hot drinks in the summer can offer more benefits than you might think.
Why Should You Drink Hot Water in the Summer?
It is important to understand that humans are warm-blooded; our bodies continuously adjust internal temperatures to maintain an optimal level of 37°C.
When we consume excessively cold drinks, especially in high external temperatures, the only thing they provide is a fleeting sense of refreshment.
Drinking hot beverages can benefit your body in high outdoor temperatures (Illustration: SP).
In reality, this action disrupts our own metabolic processes as the body expends unnecessary energy to adjust its internal temperature.
This results in an “unpleasant warmth” feeling. Therefore, when it is particularly hot outside, consuming hot drinks is much more beneficial for our bodies.
Hot beverages may not provide a refreshing sensation, but at least they prevent your body from using energy to balance temperature.
Drawbacks of Hot Beverages in the Summer
Drinking hot water in hot weather sends a strategic signal to the body. When it receives this new source of heat, the body automatically adjusts to prevent our internal temperature from rising too much.
To achieve this, it will sweat more. However, sweating helps regulate temperature by releasing heat through the skin, which lowers body temperature.
This is why hot drinks indirectly create a cooling sensation. The downside is that our bodies will lose more water (through sweating), so you need to drink more water frequently.
Summer Cooling Solutions?
The best solution is to drink warm (temperate) beverages at room temperature (meaning neither hot nor cold). The closer the drink is to 37°C, the less effort your body will have to make to regulate its internal temperature.
So, if you really want to treat yourself to a delicious cup of mint tea this summer, remember not to drink it too cold. If you are not in the habit of drinking enough water, you can also increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally high in water content.
