Sweltering heat has engulfed the UK in an unprecedented June heatwave, causing discomfort for many due to the lack of air conditioning common in American homes. UK residences are not equipped to handle such extreme temperatures, leading people to seek ways to keep cool. Surprisingly, researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics suggest that drinking hot coffee or tea can induce sweating, aiding in regulating body temperature.
Despite being a coffee enthusiast, the oppressive heat made it challenging to enjoy my daily cup. Intrigued by the theory that hot beverages can cool the body, I decided to conduct a personal experiment comparing the effects of hot and iced coffee for heat relief.
Starting with a steaming flat white amidst a stifling morning, I found that the hot coffee did not prompt significant sweating as expected. While it provided a caffeine boost, it failed to offer the cooling relief I sought, leaving me eager for a more effective solution.
Determined to explore further, I switched to an iced coffee made with espresso, oat milk, and ice. The immediate cooling sensation and overall enjoyment surpassed the experience with hot coffee. Holding the chilled glass added to the refreshing effect, leaving me feeling much cooler than after consuming the hot alternative.
While hot coffee is a common choice for heat relief in warmer European countries, my preference now leans towards iced drinks during this ongoing heatwave. Perhaps the tradition of using hot beverages to combat heat is yet to gain popularity in the UK.
As the temperature soars, I’ll be sticking to iced drinks for the foreseeable future, finding solace in their cooling effects while the heatwave persists.