Why Does Drinking Tea on a Hot Day Cool You Down?
There's nothing quite like a hot cup of tea on a hot day, is there? Tea has been enjoyed for centuries as a refreshing drink that helps cool down the body when temperatures are rising. But how does tea work to cool us down? Time to look at some of the science behind this age-old beverage!
Can a hot cup of tea always cool you down?
Only in certain circumstances. According to scientists, if you drink a hot drink, you will sweat more. This sweat will need to evaporate for the hot drink to result in cooling you down. So by adding heat to the body, it will increase the sweat and if this can evaporate then it will compensate for the added heat to the body from the drink. Make sense?
Although not everyone likes to sweat, it's actually really handy! When sweat evaporates, energy is absorbed and cools the body. The more you sweat the more you cool.
However, not all hot weather should be treated equally. If it's humid hot rather than dry hot, and you drink a hot drink, the sweat is likely to drip off you and doesn't evaporate. In this case, the advice is to go for the cold drink. Or ice cube - as Pebbles prefers. 
Does it matter what type of tea you drink? Well, we know that some tea leaves are rich in antioxidants, which have numerous health benefits. These antioxidants can also help to protect the body from the harmful effects of heat exposure.
Green tea is particularly helpful in cooling the body as it's less oxidised. Sometimes in hot weather, we don't always get enough sleep and can have a loss of appetite. Drinking green tea can help your immunity and promote healthy circulation when you're feeling a little jaded from the heat.
And what about a good old fashioned cuppa? Well, most black tea contains caffeine, which has a diuretic effect and helps to promote sweating. Again, this sweating helps to cool down the body by releasing heat through evaporation.
So there you have it, tea lovers, anyone for a cuppa?! The next time you're looking for a refreshing drink on a hot day, reach for a cup of tea and enjoy the cooling benefits. Just be sure to choose a fine bone china mug to enjoy your tea in!
