A long day under the scorching sun calls for a tall glass of ice-cold water, right?
Not so fast.
While it may be tempting to reach for that icy beverage to quench your thirst, reaching for a cup of organic hot cocoa or tea may be the way to go.
From warm summer nights to cool winter evenings, read on to learn how drinking warm beverages at any time of day may support your overall sense of well-being.
Key takeaways
- Ingesting hot or warm drinks can offer many positive effects, including improved hydration and improved digestion. They can even help soothe your throat and sinuses if you're under the weather.
- According to some studies, the ideal temperature to consume drinks in order to enjoy health benefits is around 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Green tea, coffee, and hot cocoa can have additional positive effects on the body.
See Related: Is Hot Cocoa Vegan?
Potential benefits of drinking hot drinks
It may come as no surprise that hydration is key when you're committed to a mindful lifestyle. But, according to studies, the temperature of your beverages can have an impact on your wellness, too.
Although drinking cold water and other cool drinks can be refreshing during hot weather and a much-needed escape from the heat, you may want to consider the benefits associated with hot water and other warm drinks. Warming up your drink can do more than keep you toasty!
When it comes to your wellness journey, small changes can amount to big results over time, and this may be the case with warm beverages.
Beverages like hot tea, coffee, and cocoa can carry multiple benefits, making them a great option to stay hydrated.
Benefits of drinking hot beverages
- Hydration: If you are struggling to get enough water, drinking hot water can help you feel extra hydrated. If you don’t like the taste of water, something flavorful like hot tea or hot cocoa can help you consume enough liquids.
- Digestion: Warm water may support healthy digestion by keeping things moving and staying hydrated.
- Cold symptoms: Hot water can help alleviate symptoms of a cold by loosening up mucus and relieving congestion in the sinuses. It can also aid in easing a cough and soothing a sore throat.Â
- Weight management: When it comes to weight management, hot water may help you feel fuller, which could support healthy eating habits as part of a balanced lifestyle.
- Immune function: Although warm water doesn't directly boost immunity, staying hydrated supports your body’s natural functions, which can contribute to overall wellness.
- Bloating: Drinking hot water may help you feel less puffy or more comfortable.
Hot water and dental health
Drinking more water at a high temperature can also be beneficial to your dental health, particularly in those with sensitive teeth. Warm water may feel gentler on sensitive teeth compared to very cold water.
And, while drinking warm water helps your teeth, water that is too hot can cause dental erosion and increased sensitivity - just something to keep in mind!
Bonus: How to Heat Milk For Hot Chocolate: 4 Ways
Hot drinks to improve well-being
Your choice of beverage and the temperature at which you drink it can provide additional benefits.
In addition to the positive effects on digestion and the digestive system, consuming hot beverages over cool drinks may feel relaxing, contribute to comfort, and help you feel refreshed. Hot liquid can also elevate your body temperature, promoting a sense of warmth during low temperatures.Â
Herbal tea
Some warm drinks, like herbal teas and cocoa, carry added health benefits when consumed hot. Green tea, for example, naturally contains compounds that are studied for their potential effects on focus and well-being.
Additionally, hot tea, like green tea and black tea, contains antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids. These compounds have been researched for their potential role in supporting heart health.
Hot cocoa
While a cup of cocoa can sometimes feel like an indulgent treat, it can have several positive effects.
Cocoa does more than taste great. It is rich in flavonoids, which have been studied for potential benefits related to circulation and heart health
Hot cocoa from Mindful Nutrition
Some brands of hot cocoa, like Mindful Nutrition, create products that are designed to inspire mindfulness, beyond tasting delicious.
Mindful Nutrition Sugar-Free Calm Cocoa, for example, contains ingredients like GABA and L-theanine, which are studied for their potential to support relaxation and calmness. By consuming warm fluids like hot cocoa before bedtime, you can put yourself in a calmer state during your bedtime routine.
The best temperature for warm drinks
To enjoy the many benefits of drinking hot water and other warm liquids like coffee and hot tea, you should aim to get the temperature just right. Avoid water and tea that is too hot, which can potentially burn your mouth or throat.Â
Instead, opt for the optimal temperature, which, according to research published in the Journal of Food Science, is around 130-160 degrees.Â
Conclusion
You don't need cold weather to enjoy that cozy, comforting feeling a warm beverage can provide. Whether you choose to sip hot tea, hot apple cider, coffee, or cocoa, there is a wide range of positive effects associated with warm beverages.
From helping to address digestive issues to helping the body stay hydrated and even strengthening the body's natural response to inflammation, consider how drinking warm fluids and other warm drinks over cold drinks can help you improve your overall health.Â
Keep Reading: The Best Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mixes
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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.
