Sweltering heat has engulfed the country in an unprecedented June heatwave in the UK. While enjoying the opportunity to spend more time outdoors without layers of clothing, the lack of air conditioning indoors is less pleasant compared to the US.
UK homes are not built to withstand extreme heat, prompting everyone to find ways to stay cool. Researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetic suggest an unexpected solution: drinking hot coffee or tea to induce sweating and help regulate body temperature.
Despite being a daily morning ritual, the recent heatwave made it challenging to enjoy coffee. Curious about the cooling effect of hot drinks, an experiment was conducted with both hot and iced coffee to determine the more effective option for relief.
Starting with a hot flat white early in the morning, the expectation was to induce sweating and aid in cooling down. However, the hot coffee failed to trigger significant sweating, only providing warmth in an already hot environment.
Switching to an iced coffee with espresso, oat milk, and ice, the immediate relief from the heat surpassed that of the hot coffee. Holding the cold glass added to the cooling sensation, making the iced coffee a more enjoyable and effective way to beat the heat.
While some warmer European countries opt for hot coffee in hot weather, personal preference leans towards iced drinks during the ongoing heatwave. Adjusting to different cultural practices, the choice for iced beverages remains favorable for now.
