New Delhi: The scorching heat has begun. In the summer season when the sun is blazing, most people look for cold drinks or ice water. But Indians do not stop drinking tea, be it hot or cold. There is no peace without ‘kadak chai’. If you too are fond of drinking tea, then you can agree with this. But do you know that there is solid science behind it?
Let’s know whether a cup of tea really help in keeping body cool in the scorching heat.
What does the science say?
According to research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, when we drink something hot, our body’s internal temperature rises slightly. You might think that a rise in temperature is a bad thing? This is where the body’s cooling mechanism kicks in. As soon as heat reaches the body, our brain receives a signal that the body needs to cool down. In response, the body begins to sweat profusely. When this sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries away your body heat. As a result, your body feels cooler than before.
What is the magic of ginger and cardamom?
Indian tea is not just water and leaves, but also contains spices like ginger, cardamom and sometimes black pepper.
Ginger and cardamom not only enhance the flavour of tea but also improve digestion. Stomach problems often increase during the summer, so these spices help maintain proper blood circulation.
When will this trick not work?
This formula for keeping cool by drinking tea doesn’t work everywhere. Scientifically, you should keep two things in mind.
Dry heat vs. humidity: If you’re in a dry heat environment like Delhi or Rajasthan, where sweat evaporates quickly, tea will be very beneficial. However, if you’re in a humid environment like Mumbai or Kolkata, where sweat not only dry up but also becomes sticky, drinking tea can make you even more uncomfortable. People who sweat less or whose sweat glands don’t function properly should avoid hot tea in the summer.
What to keep in mind while drinking tea?
Be mindful of the temperature: Avoid drinking tea that’s boiling hot. This can harm your throat and esophagus. Let the tea cool slightly before enjoying it.
Tannins and caffeine: Steeping tea leaves for too long increases the tannin content. Excessive caffeine and tannins can cause acidity or nervousness in some people.
Quality: Always use high-quality tea leaves. Loose tea leaves are considered preferable to tea bags, as tea bags carry the risk of microplastics.
Tea or cold drink: Drinking cold drinks causes a sudden drop in body temperature, which can be a shock. This doesn’t provide long-term cooling. Meanwhile, tea gradually activates the body’s natural cooling system (sweating), which can provide long-term relief.
