Counterintuitive Tip: Drink Hot Coffee to Cool Down

I don’t know about you but this summer has been a scorcher in my neck of the woods! With little relief in sight we are all looking for something, anything, to cool us down. The last thing we would think to cool us off is a hot cup of coffee. But Thermal Ergonomic studies are proving this old wives tale as true. Ollie Jay, a researcher at University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetics released his findings recently.

A Hot Drink Increases Sweating

Apparently a hot drink lowers the amount of heat you store by triggering an increased amount of sweating. Jay explains that although the drink is hotter than the body and raises the core temperature, the rise in temperature is far less than the counteracting sweat produced. Although sweat may be bothersome, when it evaporates from the skin, energy is absorbed into the air and cools the body. The more you sweat means more cooling upon evaporation. The key is that perspiration has to evaporate.

If It’s Hot and Humid, Drink an Iced Coffee

Jay cautions that in high humidity the hot drink will cause a negative reaction. Because the air is already holding high amounts of water content, the evaporation process is stalled. Drinking the hot drink will actually add to your discomfort as it raises your core temperature.

Personally, at that point, I’d reach for a decadent iced coffee made with fine gourmet coffee blends. The coffee will lower your core temperature and the indulgence will improve your mood.

Remember to Keep Hydrated

 Coffee is a diuretic and contributes to dehydration. Heat dehydrates. In order for hot or cold coffee to act as a coolant in these scorching hot days, remember to match your coffee intake with water for the maximum cooling effect. 

Don’t wait until the cooler weather arrives in a few months to restock your coffee cupboard! Head over to our online coffee store and place an order today. You’ll use the coffee beans for both hot and cold coffees during the remainder of our summer, I promise!