Summer has made a fierce entrance this year, with temperatures in the UK reaching as high as 35 degrees in certain regions. Due to this, many Brits are finding it challenging to stay cool during the current heatwave. In just a week, the shift from using electric blankets at night to sleeping without any covers has left people waking up drenched in sweat.
People are scrambling to buy SPF 50 sunscreen to protect themselves and searching through their closets for summer attire. However, the question remains: what should one drink in this scorching weather to stay refreshed? While options like iced coffee and coconut water are popular, they may not provide the desired relief.
Upon hearing claims from a nutritionist that hot mint tea could help cool down the body in warm weather, skepticism arose. How could a hot beverage possibly reduce body heat? The idea of sipping on a hot drink seemed unappealing when the surroundings felt like an oven, despite having all windows wide open.
Intrigued by the possibility of feeling less overheated, I acquired some mint tea bags. Opting for Tetley, available at Asda for just £1.56, I prepared the tea and found it counterintuitive to hold a hot drink on such a sweltering day. Initially, it felt like the tea was making me warmer before I even took a sip.
Deciding to consume it before heading out into the warm evening in central Manchester, I hoped it would help me stay cool and avoid sweating off my makeup while traveling. Once the tea had cooled down sufficiently, I cautiously took a sip and experienced a refreshing, tingling sensation that seemed to lower my body temperature.
Scientifically, the cooling effect of mint tea is explained by its interaction with skin and mouth receptors, creating a sensation of coldness despite the body’s actual temperature. Simone Thomas, a nutritionist and wellness coach, highlighted the benefits of peppermint, emphasizing its affordability and cooling properties.
Simone prefers to enjoy mint tea cold during warm weather for its refreshing nature. Beyond its cooling effects, mint tea offers a range of health benefits, including aiding digestion, being caffeine-free, potentially improving sleep quality, freshening breath, and helping relieve nasal congestion.
Impressed by how mint tea made me feel, I decided to have a cup before bedtime, pairing it with a good book to prepare for sleep feeling cool and relaxed. Whether hot or cold, mint tea has emerged as a new bedtime ritual and an effective remedy for combating the heatwave.
The discovery of mint tea’s benefits goes beyond just feeling cooler and calmer, with additional advantages like aiding digestion and promoting freshness. As for me, mint tea has become a go-to solution for staying cool and comfortable in any weather.