How Hot Coffee Can Actually Keep You Cool
Thursday, May 17, 2018As our collective flirtation with spring becomes a full-fledged relationship, it’s nice to have a few warm weather hacks ready for the rising temperatures. While we recognize there’s no replacing strawberry lemonade, agua frescas, and icy milkshakes, hot coffee can be far more effective at keeping your cool on the hottest of summer days — in certain circumstances.
A hot drink results in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body — provided the additional sweat can evaporate. A hot drink can cause a disproportionate increase in the amount that you sweat. That increased rate of sweat evaporates from the skin, cooling the body. Essentially, more sweat means more cooling.
The caveat is that in humid conditions, or when a person is already slick with sweat, a hot beverage will only add more body heat. In that situation, an iced coffee and only an iced coffee will do.
From Smithsonianmag.com, “To be clear, the tip only works in very specific circumstances: a hot, dry day, where you’re not wearing so much clothing that your sweat is prevented from easily evaporating. In other words, if you’re in a humid locale — for example, anywhere on the East Coast — don’t try drinking hot water. But on a hot day in the desert, a cup of hot tea might actually be the trick to help cool you down.”
Get your hot or cold summertime coffees at Café Delirium. Cafe Delirium is Downtown Gresham’s favorite coffeehouse. Visit us on Main Street today to sample our gorgeous coffee drinks while you enjoy charming Historic Downtown Gresham. Check out our menu or ask for your own specialty coffee drink!