How Do Hot Drinks Help Cool the Body During Summer

Scientific studies suggest that hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, may help cool the body during summer, even though many people usually prefer cold drinks to cope with high temperatures.

A study conducted in 2012 at the University of Ottawa found that drinking a hot beverage can lead to an overall reduction in body temperature, provided that sweat is able to evaporate efficiently from the surface of the skin.

Researcher Dr. Ole Jay explained that hot drinks stimulate the body to increase sweating, which helps cool the body when sweat evaporates. As liquid turns into vapor, it carries away excess heat from the body.

Sweating is considered an essential natural mechanism for regulating body temperature, as the evaporation of sweat from the skin helps remove internal heat and maintain the body’s thermal balance.

However, the effectiveness of this mechanism largely depends on climate conditions. In hot and dry environments, evaporation occurs faster and more efficiently, making hot drinks a useful option for helping cool the body.

On the other hand, this effect becomes less effective in humid environments, where sweat evaporates less easily. In such cases, drinking hot beverages may increase the sensation of heat rather than relieve it.

Experts therefore recommend choosing cold drinks in situations of high humidity, excessive sweating, or when wearing heavy clothing in order to maintain proper body temperature balance.

In general, the choice of beverage depends on weather conditions: hot drinks may be beneficial in dry climates, while cold drinks remain the better option in humid environments.