Sweltering heat has engulfed the UK in an unprecedented June heatwave, affecting the entire nation. While the opportunity to enjoy more time outdoors without heavy layers is appreciated, the absence of widespread air conditioning, common in the US, has made staying indoors uncomfortable.
UK homes are not built to endure extreme heat, prompting people to seek ways to keep cool. Researchers from the University of Ottawa’s School of Human Kinetic suggest that drinking hot coffee or tea could induce sweating, aiding in regulating body temperature.
Despite being a daily morning ritual, the heat has made it challenging to enjoy coffee. Intrigued by the theory that hot beverages can cool the body, a comparison was made between hot and iced coffee for their cooling effects.
Starting with a hot flat white, the experience was not as expected. While hot drinks are said to prompt sweating and subsequent cooling, the reality was different. The warmth from the coffee was uncomfortable, and the anticipated cooling effect did not materialize.
Switching to an iced coffee, made with espresso, oat milk, and ice, brought immediate relief from the heat. The cold sensation and refreshing taste provided a more enjoyable cooling experience compared to the hot coffee, leaving a lasting coolness even as temperatures indoors rose.
While residents in warmer European countries turn to hot drinks to combat heat, the preference for iced beverages seems more suitable for UK conditions during the ongoing heatwave.
The attempt to test the hot coffee theory was met with disappointment, leading to a continued preference for iced drinks. As the heatwave persists, sticking to cooling alternatives like iced beverages remains the choice for many seeking relief.