What's more cooling in the heat: a hot or cold drink? The answer will surprise you

It sounds illogical, but the body has its own plan

At first glance, it seems logical that a cold drink will cool us down, while a hot one will heat us up even more. But our bodies have a very effective mechanism for regulating temperature – sweating.

When we drink a hot beverage, our body senses an additional source of heat and may start producing more sweat. As the sweat evaporates from our skin, it carries heat away and cools us down. This is why hot tea can help our body cool down more effectively in certain situations.

So where is the trick to making sweating effective?

One factor is particularly important: can sweat evaporate? If the air is dry and there is at least some air movement around us, sweat evaporates quickly and the body cools down effectively. However, if the air is very humid or we are sitting in a stuffy room where sweat remains on the skin, this effect is no longer as pronounced. In that case, an iced drink will often refresh us more than a hot tea.

Therefore, hot tea is not a miracle solution for every hot day, but its effect depends on the environment.

Then why do they drink it in desert countries?

In many hot countries, the air is usually very dry. This means that sweat evaporates quickly, making it easier for the body to dissipate heat. This is why hot drinks have been a part of everyday life for centuries in countries like Morocco, Algeria, and many Middle Eastern countries.

Cultural customs also play a role. Mint tea is a symbol of hospitality in Morocco, and people tend to drink it slowly, in sips. This often helps them drink more fluids and stay better hydrated throughout the day.

What about iced drinks?

This doesn't mean that iced drinks are a bad choice.

Cold drinks create an immediate feeling of refreshment by cooling the mouth, throat, and stomach. This feeling is very pleasant, especially during the hottest part of the day. However, a warm drink can trigger more sweating, helping to dissipate heat in a slightly different way.

According to experts, good choices are:

- water, - unsweetened teas, - water with lemon, mint or cucumber, - drinks with electrolytes in case of heavy sweating, - foods with a high water content, such as watermelon, cantaloupe and cucumbers.

On the other hand, it is important to limit large amounts of alcohol and very sweet drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Viri: NHS, BBC Good Food, BBC News.