Hot or Cold? How the Temperature of Your Drinks Influence Your Mood, Sleep & Digestion

Food, whether hot or cold, we decide according to our taste and comfort. But do you know the temperature of food or drinks that do more than just quench thirst or provide fullness in the stomach? It could influence how we feel mentally and physically. Recently the British Journal of Nutrition examined how hot vs. cold consumptions of food correlate with health outcomes. This research shows the temperature impact of foods on mental health (anxiety, depression), sleep (insomnia) and digestion (abdominal fluness, gas) among both Asians and Whites in the US.


The study links for Asians that a higher intake of cold food and beverages, especially during summer to increased anxiety and abdominal fullness as well as more insomnia. These indications are stronger among people who reported having cold hands, which is a reflection of poorer peripheral circulation. Physiologists explain that the consumption of cold could affect gut-brain communication, reduce blood flow and stress the body's system.
The study found that for White people that hot drinks especially during winter can lower insomnia, reduce gas and fewer depressive symptoms. Consuming hot meals or drinks both appeared to have a protective effect on mental and digestive health in this group. The combined effect of high cold consumption + low hot consumption (a kind of “temperature balance score”) remained important as both extremes matter.


The temperature of foods or drinks might be a small thing but it brings a meaningful factor in our well being. As the causality remains ambiguous, more research is needed on this topic. For both mental and digestive health choosing a warm drink is joyful especially in colder seasons, it is more than just comforting.

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Q1. Is hot or cold drinks better for digestion?
Ans: There is little scientific evidence to suggest that cold water is bad for the body or digestion.

Q2. Can a hot drink affect your temperature?
Ans: No matter how hot or cold the drink, your body will respond to keep your core temperature steady, usually at around 37C.

Q3. Is coffee warming or cooling?
Ans: It can cool you down.

Q4. Is coconut water cooling or heaty?
Ans: It is considered to have a "cooling effect.