Did you know? Drinking hot tea is a good option to relieve the heat; understand! | Wellbeing and Health

In three months, Brazil has already experienced three distinct heat waves, making it uncomfortable to live without temperature relief strategies. Many people invested, for example, in air conditioning, fans and the consumption of cold drinks. But did you know that drinking hot drinks can also reduce body heat??

At least that’s what a study conducted by researchers at the University of Ottawa, Canada, suggests. Second Anthony Bainone of the authors of the research and currently a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor, this is possible because drinks Hot temperatures stimulate the body’s deep thermoreceptors, creating an excessive sweat production response.

“A hot drink can cool you down (modestly), as long as it allows total evaporation of sweat, which means you need to wear minimal clothing, and you can’t be in a humid environment that doesn’t allow total evaporation,” he explains.

How is this possible?

Although it may seem controversial, the idea makes sense, says the nutritionist Manu Martins. According to her, when we drink a hot liquid, the brain detects the increase in temperature in the mouth and esophagus.

“With this, the nervous system issues a command to the sweat glands, causing them to work moderately, stimulating greater sweat production in an attempt to balance body temperature. Consequently, there is a decrease in the sensation of heat”, he says.

Thus, sweat acts by fulfilling perfectly its function, which is to regulate the body’s temperature, helping to withstand the heat that comes from outside.

However, Canadian scientists warn that the technique does not work when the climate, in addition to being hot, is very humid. “If the environment is humid, the evaporative potential of the space is reduced. This means that sweat will not cool you as well, as some of it will drip onto the floor instead of evaporating from your skin,” comments Anthony.

He also says that, in many cases, a colder drink may be better because it preserves sweat loss, especially in hot and humid environments, such as in some locations in Brazil.

Hot teas to relieve the heat

If you want to test the theory described in the study, Manu recommends herbal teas, such as mint, rosemary or green, white, black and mate tea.

In addition to the flavor, which may be pleasant for many, these infusions have many benefits for human health. The first two on the list mentioned, for example, aid digestion, while the others contain caffeine, are thermogenic, accelerate metabolism and contribute to increased sweating.

“Hot tea has the excellent benefit of stimulating bowel function. So, for those who suffer from constipation, it is a very welcome alternative. Furthermore, to combat flu, colds, sore throats, teas are allies”, says the nutritionist.

But each tea has a different benefit. Manu remembers that thermogenics are the most used to help with weight loss, such as hibiscus, which helps eliminate fluid retention and combat the accumulation of fat, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

“Drinking a hot tea with calming ingredients to relax and sleep better, such as lemongrass, fennel, lemon balm, passion fruit and dill, will act directly on the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and agitation and preventing insomnia”, he adds.

Cold drinks to refresh

For those who want to opt for the more conventional strategy of consuming cold drinks, Manu suggests preparing teas in iced water.

If you don’t like infusions, you can opt for flavored water, adding slices of lemon, tangerine, strawberries, ginger and ice. “Smoothies with frozen fruits are also an excellent alternative, in addition to iced coffee”, says the nutritionist. To prepare, blend the chosen coffee with ice cubes.