Unprecedented high temperatures have engulfed the UK, marking a historic June heatwave across the nation.
While enjoying the freedom of spending more time outdoors without layers of clothing, the absence of widespread air conditioning in homes, unlike in the US, has made indoor living less pleasant.
British homes are not equipped to handle extreme heat, prompting everyone to seek ways to keep cool. Researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics suggest an unexpected method to combat the heat: drinking hot beverages like coffee or tea. This supposedly triggers increased sweating and aids in regulating body temperature.
Despite being a morning essential, the hot weather has made consuming coffee challenging for many individuals.
Curious about the theory that hot drinks can cool the body, a comparison between hot and iced coffee was conducted to determine their cooling effects.
Starting with a piping hot flat white early in the day, the attempt to induce sweating through hot beverage consumption did not yield the expected results, as it did not lead to significant cooling despite the claimed benefits.
Following this, an iced coffee was prepared by combining ice, espresso, and milk. The immediate relief from the heat provided by the iced drink surpassed the experience of the hot coffee, offering a more enjoyable cooling sensation.
The coolness of the iced coffee and the act of holding the cold glass contributed to a more refreshing experience compared to the hot alternative. It left the individual feeling significantly cooler, even in higher indoor temperatures later in the day.
While the concept of using hot drinks to combat heat is common in warmer European countries, personal preference leans towards iced beverages during the ongoing heatwave in the UK.
