Why a Hot Drink Might Be Your Best Bet on a Scorching Day

Think that ice-cold water is the ultimate summer refresher? A Russian scientist says you might want to rethink that. Valery Litvinov, a PhD in Medical Sciences and senior researcher at Perm National Research Polytechnic University, told TASS that the popular belief about icy drinks beating the heat is actually a mistake.

According to Litvinov, cold beverages trigger an unexpected reaction in the body. When you sip something frigid, the thermoreceptors in your mouth and throat send a signal to the brain that the body is facing a threat of hypothermia. In response, the blood vessels in your skin constrict, slowing down heat loss and potentially leading to overheating. Instead of cooling you down, that frosty drink may be working against you.

Hot drinks, on the other hand, work differently. They encourage sweating, and as sweat evaporates from your skin, it provides the most natural and efficient cooling mechanism for your body in high temperatures. Litvinov explains that a cup of hot tea or coffee without sugar can help you handle the heat far better than ice water, which only creates a temporary illusion of relief. So next time the mercury rises, consider reaching for something warm.

In related news, cardiologist Maria Chaykovskaya recently warned that summer insomnia can pose a serious health risk, reminding us that staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's about staying safe.