On a chilly winter morning, there is an undeniable charm in experiencing the first sip of steaming coffee. Isn’t it? When the temperature drops, many of us automatically switch from iced coffee to a hot cup of steaming coffee—a tiny comfort that instantly lifts our spirits. However, your body responds differently to hot coffee than to cold brew, even if it could appear to be only a seasonal change. From the way it impacts your energy and digestion to your emotions, the shift can be fascinating. These are the things your body may begin to notice if you are also making the move this winter from cold to hot coffee.
When you go from cold to hot coffee, eight things change
1. Coffee that is hot can improve metabolism and digestion
Not only does hot coffee provide warmth during the winter, but it can also help maintain a healthy digestive system. The warmth facilitates digestion and increases metabolism by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. As we consume bigger meals and drink less water during the winter months, A dietitian and certified diabetes educator tells Health Shots that warm beverages can help ease moderate bloating or constipation and encourage bowel movements.
2. It makes the body warmer and increases circulation
Switching to hot coffee can help maintain your body’s warmth internally. In contrast to cold brews, which have the potential to slightly narrow blood vessels, hot coffee encourages vasodilation, which widens blood vessels, enhances circulation, and aids in heat retention. For cold mornings when blood flow tends to slow down, this makes it ideal.
3. Acidity levels may be impacted
In terms of acidity, hot coffee can be both beneficial and challenging. Hot coffee is typically more acidic than cold brew, which may cause heartburn or pain in sensitive people, according to a study published in LWT Food Science and Technology. But cold coffee isn’t always better for the stomach; occasionally, the temperature difference can irritate the stomach slightly. Dr. Batra advises sipping your hot coffee slowly because it’s already warm and has a lower heat tolerance. This may reduce the likelihood of stomach discomfort or acidity.
4. You might feel reassured and more attentive
A warm cup of coffee has a certain emotional appeal for a reason. The temperature itself affects our mood in addition to caffeine. Warm beverages increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which might make you feel both more alert and peaceful, according to studies. That mental warmth might be crucial during the winter months when energy levels tend to decline.
5. Be mindful of dehydration
Hot coffee has a minor diuretic effect, which means it may cause you to lose fluids a little more quickly, even though it feels refreshing to enjoy a steaming cup. You might become dehydrated more quickly because indoor heating is already drying out the air. To prevent this, Dr. suggests drinking water or herbal tea or coffee alternately throughout the day.
6. You may eat less sweets
You might unintentionally cut back on sugar if you are moving from iced to hot coffee. Cold brews are frequently laden with flavored milk, creams, or sweet syrups. Conversely, hot coffee is typically consumed black or with little milk or sugar, which can assist in lowering sugar intake.
7. You could consume less coffee in general
The gradual cooling of hot coffee compels you to take a sip and savor it. In contrast to iced coffee, which is frequently consumed rapidly before the ice melts, hot coffee naturally encourages slower consumption. One cup of hot coffee usually feels more fulfilling since it takes longer to drink and is easier to reheat, which helps you consume less caffeine overall.
8. You might receive a boost of antioxidants
According to research that was published in the Antioxidants journal, hot coffee can have a somewhat higher antioxidant content than cold brew. By assisting in the neutralization of dangerous free radicals, these antioxidants save your cells from oxidative stress and early aging.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
