The doctor stated the benefits of hot tea in the heat

In the midst of the summer heat, many people instinctively reach for iced drinks. However, this should not be done — cold water in the heat can lead to the opposite effect. Anna Troyanik, a general practitioner and member of the Ahmad Tea Center for Industry Expertise, told Izvestia about this on June 23.

"Cold water causes a short—term feeling of freshness, but then the body begins to compensate for the sudden cooling by activating heat production," explains Troyanik.

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This process, called thermogenesis, not only negates the cooling effect, but can also lead to additional overheating. Cold drinks also cause vasoconstriction and disrupt natural sweating, a key cooling mechanism of the body.

Hot tea, on the contrary, works in harmony with physiology.: it stimulates perspiration, and when sweat evaporates, the body cools down effectively. Studies confirm that a drink with a temperature of 50-60 degrees improves blood microcirculation, normalizes blood pressure and helps maintain electrolyte balance — a critical factor in hot conditions when the body loses moisture and minerals.

The special value of tea is given by antioxidants and tannins, which ordinary hot water lacks. Green and white varieties are especially good in the heat — they gently tone up without overloading the nervous system. The expert recommends drinking tea slowly, in small sips, adding natural enhancers like mint or ginger, which improve thermoregulation and digestion.

"Hot tea in hot weather is not an exotic tradition, but a physiologically competent way to help the body adapt to hot weather. It promotes cooling due to natural thermoregulation mechanisms, gently tones and helps maintain water balance without unnecessary stress on the body," says Troyanik.

On June 7, gastroenterologist and nutritionist Irina Berezhneva named drinks useful in the summer heat. According to her, in addition to plain water, lemonade made from fruits or berries will help to cope with the heat.