Does Tea Really Cool You Down? The Science Behind It

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cup of tea on a hot day, but does it actually help cool you down? This week the UK is experiencing record-breaking temperatures and many people are wondering if they can rely on their favorite drink to keep them comfortable.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind tea and cooling down, and answer the question once and for all!

Does Tea Cool You Down in Hot Weather?

So, does tea actually help cool you down? The answer is a little complicated. While hot tea will make you feel warmer, there is some evidence to suggest that it can also help lower your body temperature.

Why Does Tea Cool You Down?

Interestingly, drinking warm liquids may actually reduce the energy your body spends on warming cold drinks to core temperature, conserving energy for other thermoregulation processes.

This is because when you drink hot tea, your body has to work harder to bring the liquid up to its internal temperature. This process of heating up and then cooling down causes what’s known as “evaporative cooling,” which can help lower your overall body temperature.

Of course, this only works if you’re actually sweating, so if you’re not already feeling warm, hot tea probably won’t do much for you. In fact, Iced Tea might be a better choice in this case! However, some scientists suggest that cold drinks may trick the body into sensing it’s cooler than it actually is, which can delay sweating and interfere with the body’s natural cooling mechanisms.

This effect is most noticeable in hot, dry climates where sweat can easily evaporate, and when you’re wearing light or minimal clothing.
Iced tea can help cool you down in two ways. First, the act of drinking cold liquid will lower your internal body temperature. Second, the ice in iced tea can help constrict blood vessels and improve circulation, which can also help regulate your body temperature.

Study – Does Drinking Tea Cool You Down?

Dr. Ollie Jay from the University of Ottawa conducted a study in 2012 into the effects of body temperature and the consumption of hot drinks such as tea. They wanted to understand, does drinking tea in hot weather cool you down, or was it a myth.

The results which were subsequently published in the study found that drinking hot drinks can aid the cooling effect and cool down the body’s core temperature. Hot fluids can help lower the amount of heat stored inside the body.

In the results, Dr. Ollie Jay insisted

“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.”

Essentially, when drinking a hot beverage your body will naturally start sweating more. In dry conditions the sweat will evaporate, this can cool you down.

Does Drinking Tea Keep You Hydrated?

It’s important to remember that tea, whether hot or iced, is still a diuretic. This means that it can actually cause you to lose more water than you take in.

So, if you’re looking to stay hydrated in the heat, it’s important to drink plenty of water along with your tea. You can find out more on our blog about the effects of tea and dehydration.

5 Teas to Cool You Down in Hot Weather

If you’re looking for a refreshing cup of tea to help cool you down in the heat, here are five of our favorites:

1. Peppermint Tea Bags: Peppermint is naturally cooling and can help soothe an upset stomach.

2. Ginger Root Tea: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea and indigestion. It can also help promote sweating, which can cool the body down.

3. Lemongrass Tea: Lemongrass is citrusy and refreshing, making it the perfect summertime beverage. It’s also thought to have detoxifying properties.

4. Chamomile Flower Tea: Chamomile is known for its calming effects, but it can also help with bloating and indigestion.

5. Green Tea: Green tea is a great choice for hot weather since it’s naturally refreshing and has detoxifying properties. It’s also rich in catechins antioxidants that may boost metabolism, lower blood pressure, and support cardiovascular and immune health.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Tea can definitely help cool you down in hot weather, but it’s important to remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water as well. And if you’re looking for a refreshing cup of tea to help beat the heat, be sure to try one of our amazing Tea Shop.

In Ayurvedic and other traditional health systems, warm drinks like lemon water are often consumed in the morning to ‘open’ the body’s heat-release pathways and promote digestion, supporting internal cooling through gentle sweating.

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