Is Drinking Coffee Beneficial or Harmful in Summer? Understanding Its Effects on the Body

New Delhi, June 9: During the summer months, it is often said that drinking hot tea or coffee helps cool the body. However, many individuals report a different experience, feeling increased heat or discomfort after consuming hot coffee. Experts have weighed in on this topic.

Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija explains that the sensation of cooling the body is not solely dependent on what you drink, but rather on how effectively the body can expel heat.

In the summer, many people emphasize drinking cold beverages for relief. However, Makhija points out an interesting fact: hot coffee can also cool you down, but certain conditions must be met. If these conditions are not fulfilled, consuming hot drinks can lead to feeling even hotter.

According to the expert, feeling cool is not just about your beverage choice. The key factor is how well your body can release heat. Drinking hot coffee raises the body temperature slightly, which increases sweating. When sweat evaporates, it cools the body. However, in real life, this process does not always function effectively.

Makhija also explains the reasons behind the lack of cooling. In air-conditioned rooms, sweat does not evaporate properly, and in humid weather, sweat fails to turn into vapor. Additionally, dehydration can reduce sweating. In such scenarios, drinking hot coffee can lead to increased discomfort rather than relief.

She references a study from Ottawa University, stating that hot drinks are beneficial only when the surrounding environment aids in sweat evaporation.

Health experts offer simple advice: drink plenty of water and other fluids alongside coffee. Do not rely solely on coffee. Pay attention to the weather; hot beverages may work better in dry conditions, but caution is needed in humid climates. Relying solely on coffee for refreshment is not advisable.

The bottom line is that coffee or any beverage does not cool you down. The real work is done by your body, which expels heat through sweating. If the environment and bodily conditions are not optimal, hot drinks can have the opposite effect. Therefore, to keep cool, it is essential to drink enough water, wear light clothing, and avoid humidity.

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