It is not the first thing that springs to mind when there is a heat wave. We are more likely to rush for cold drinks, or even frozen ones to quench our thirst. Yet, in the image of the Tuaregs drinking their scorching tea in the desert, hot drinks may be more beneficial than you might think.
The benefit of hot drinks in summer
By drinking something hot, when it is already hot outside, we send a strategic signal to our body. When it perceives this new source of heat, the body will seek to regulate itself, so that the body temperature does not rise too much. To achieve this, it will produce more sweat. The phenomenon of sweating is part of our thermoregulation: by releasing heat at skin level, the body temperature decreases. Result: the hot drink indirectly produces a “cooling effect”.
Conversely, a very cold drink will send the opposite message to the brain. Believing that the body is at risk of cooling down, the body will block sweating in order to maintain the heat stored by the body. Sometimes, energy can even be used to produce heat and compensate for the difference between the frozen drink and body temperature (37° C). This reduces the immediate benefit (for the body) of very cold drinks. But in terms of feeling fresh and preference of taste, we can only say it’s all up to you of course!
The limits of hot drinks in summer
As explained above, hot drinks will cause the body to produce sweat. The problem is, sweating makes you more dehydrated. If you drink something hot, you will have to think about drinking more frequently. Especially since tea is a diuretic drink, which stimulates kidney function and promotes elimination.
So what is the best compromise for the body in summer? Probably lukewarm drinks at room temperature or drinks that are cold, but not frozen. The closer a drink is to body temperature, the less effort it will take to regulate our internal temperature.
What teas can you drink hot in summer?
In fact, all teas can be drunk hot in summer, but some are more in tune with the summer ambiance. This is the case with Moroccan tea, the traditional green mint tea that is consumed there summer and winter. Traditionally, it is served from stainless steel or silver teapots, with long spouts and matching tray. It is infused with plain green tea (Chinese “Gunpowder” tea), as well as a bouquet of mint and then sweetened liberally before tasting. Something to remind you of Morocco, from the very first sip!
Other suggestions for summer teas: the organic White Bellini, whose aromas of peach and apricot remind us of the market stalls, the organic Tropical White, which draws us into the sunlight of the tropics, thanks to the mango and passion fruit. Or the exotic Blue detox, a blend of green tea and mate, flavoured with pineapple.
Which infusions can be drunk hot in summer?
In addition to being organic, all Kusmi infusions and herbal teas have been designed to be as tasty when consumed hot as when frozen. Let us give you a brief introduction, starting with the Aqua family, which includes AquaExotica (hibiscus mango infusion), AquaFrutti (hibiscus goji berry infusion), AquaSummer (hibiscus, peach, apricot infusion) and AquaRosa (red berry hibiscus infusion).
Want some more? Look after yourself with organic Be Cool (verbena infusion), Feel Zen (rooibos apple lemon balm), Sweet Break (red fruits, biscuit), Only Spices (fennel, liquorice, anise), Green Mix (infusion of vegetables and fruits), Happy Mind (herbal infusion, apple) and Only Night (rooibos honeybush lime blossom). Spoiled for choice, aren’t you!
