Hot drinks more effective in body cooling than cold drinks
As part of our commitment to creating a warm and comfortable home, we have teamed up with Ron Eccles, Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University and former Director of the Common Cold Centre, to explore how our preference for hot or cold drinks can make us hot under the collar – and provide tips on combating such moments to create the most comfortable home environment possible.
It’s often difficult to stay comfortable with Brits constantly feeling like they are battling against cold or over-heating – but while we certainly feel big changes, our body temperature hardly ever changes.
As Eccles explains: “Body temperature is actually very closely regulated and rarely changes. What is more important is the perception of temperature, as we can feel hot and bothered by very slight increases in bodily temperature. Likewise, we can feel cold when there is a cooling of the skin and no change in body temperature at all.”
As would be expected, when we feel hot, our instinct is to reach for a cold drink due to the refreshing effect is has on our bodies. Eccles also notes that a cold beverage has “an immediate alerting effect and can also relieve thirst more effectively than a drink at room temperature”, making our bodies feel more comfortable and revitalised.
What to eat and drink to cool down?
The benefits of hot drinks do not end there, and Eccles recommends that anyone struggling with a summer cold over the coming months should turn to a warm beverage. “When suffering from a cold”, he says, “a hot drink will not only make you feel warmer but will help relieve symptoms such as a persistent cough and sore throat.”
For those seeking a winter warmer, a bowl of warm soup would be Eccles’ number one choice, with a sprinkle of pepper added to heighten the effect. Eccles notes: “Spicy foods contain the chemical capsaicin, and although this can make people feel warm, it can also promote sweating which may help people cool down.”
Interestingly, the amount of stress an individual is under may also impact feeling hot or cold. “Although there are a number of factors that must be considered”, Eccles highlights, “stress and fear can cause the constriction of skin blood vessels which could make you feel colder.”
Victoria Billings, Director of Marketing at Worcester Bosch, added: “Making sure you have a great home environment has never been as important as it is right now. We wanted to highlight how something as small as altering our choice of drink can help people lead more comfortable, warmer lives. Boilers may be our everyday, and heating and hot water our world, but generating and sharing warmth is our reason for being.”