Hot Foods and Drinks Used to Combat Heat in Global Regions

People in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America consume hot beverages and foods to manage high temperatures during heat waves [1, 2].

This practice challenges common assumptions about temperature regulation, suggesting that internal heat triggers can actually assist the body in cooling down more efficiently.

In various regions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as some areas of the U.S., individuals frequently drink hot tea and eat steaming soup ^[1]. Some also add chilies to their meals despite the external heat [1, 2]. This dietary habit is often maintained even when outdoor temperatures reach extreme levels ^[1].

The logic behind consuming hot items during a heat wave is rooted in biology. Eating or drinking hot foods can trigger the body's natural cooling mechanisms ^[2]. Specifically, these foods increase the internal body temperature, which in turn promotes sweating ^[2].

As sweat evaporates from the skin, it carries heat away from the body. This process helps regulate the internal temperature and can make a person feel cooler than if they had consumed a cold beverage ^[2]. While cold drinks provide an immediate cooling sensation, the effect is often temporary and does not stimulate the same sweat response as hot foods ^[2].

This cultural and biological approach to heat management is observed in diverse settings, from Asian street vendors serving hot tea to markets in Africa serving steaming soups ^[1]. The practice remains a common strategy for those living in climates where high heat is a recurring seasonal or permanent feature [1, 2].