Does Eating Warm Foods on Hot Days Help? The Science of Beating the Heat

December 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2012 study on cyclists, participants who drank hot water stored less heat than those who drank cold water, challenging the common instinct to consume only icy beverages. This reveals the surprising truth behind the question, 'Does eating warm foods on hot days help?'

Quick Summary

Eating or drinking warm items on hot days can trigger the body's natural cooling mechanism by increasing sweat production. This effect is most beneficial in dry, low-humidity environments where sweat can evaporate efficiently. The body's internal thermosensors play a key role in this process.

Key Points

Sweating is Key: Warm food consumption triggers an increase in sweating, the body's most effective natural cooling mechanism.
Humidity Matters: The cooling effect only works efficiently in dry climates where sweat can evaporate; it is less effective and can be uncomfortable in humid conditions.
Spicy Foods Increase Sweat: Capsaicin in spicy peppers activates heat receptors, prompting a sweating response that aids in cooling the body.
Better for Digestion: Warm foods are easier for the body to digest, requiring less energy compared to processing very cold items.
Cultural Wisdom: Many cultures in hot regions, such as the Middle East and parts of Asia, have long incorporated hot beverages and spicy foods to stay cool.
Thermosensors Involved: Specialized nerve receptors in the mouth, throat, and stomach detect the temperature change and initiate the body's cool-down response.
Stay Hydrated: Regardless of food temperature, staying hydrated is crucial for enabling the body's sweating process and regulating internal temperature.

The Science Behind Warmth and Cooling

It might seem completely illogical to consume a hot meal or drink when you're already sweltering, but the effect is rooted in the body's natural processes of thermoregulation. When you consume a warm or hot substance, your body's temperature rises slightly, activating specialized nerve receptors in your mouth, throat, and stomach. These thermosensors signal the brain's hypothalamus, which in turn triggers a cooling response. The body's primary method for this is sweating, and the resulting sweat provides a powerful cooling effect as it evaporates from the skin.

The Critical Role of Evaporation

For this cooling mechanism to work effectively, the sweat must evaporate. This is the crucial caveat that determines whether eating warm food on a hot day will help or hurt. In a dry climate with low humidity, sweat evaporates quickly, carrying heat away from the body and making you feel cooler. This is why many cultures in hot, arid regions, like those in the Middle East and parts of Asia, traditionally consume hot tea or spicy foods.

Conversely, in a highly humid environment, the air is already saturated with moisture, which prevents sweat from evaporating efficiently. The moisture just sits on your skin, and the extra heat from the warm food is trapped, making you feel even hotter and more uncomfortable. This means a hot cup of tea on a humid Florida day will likely be a much different experience than one in the dry heat of the Arizona desert.

Comparison: Warm vs. Cold Food in Hot Weather


Feature	Warm Food/Drinks (in Dry Heat)	Cold Food/Drinks
Initial Sensation	Feeling of warmth, then cooling sensation.	Immediate, temporary coolness.
Core Body Temp	Long-term lower heat storage if sweat evaporates.	Immediate dip, but body works to re-regulate.
Sweating Response	Activates or increases sweat production.	Can inhibit or decrease sweating.
Thermoregulation	Promotes effective long-term cooling through evaporation.	Offers short-term relief, less effective long-term.
Impact in Humidity	Can make you feel hotter as sweat cannot evaporate.	Still provides a cooling sensation, but less lasting.

Popular Warm Foods and Spices for Heat

Many hot-weather cultures have long incorporated warm and spicy dishes into their diets for a reason. The following list highlights some common examples:

Spicy Curries: Spices like cayenne pepper and turmeric contain compounds such as capsaicin, which stimulate the nerves and increase sweating, providing a cooling effect.
Hot Soups and Broths: Light, brothy soups with seasonal vegetables and herbs are hydrating and can trigger the body's cooling response while also replenishing electrolytes lost through sweating.
Hot Tea (especially Mint Tea): In many hot climates, mint tea is consumed hot. The warmth triggers sweating, and the menthol in mint provides a sensation of coolness.
Cooked Grains and Legumes: These provide sustained energy without weighing you down. Many cultures use cooked rice or couscous in warm dishes that support digestion in the heat.

The Digestive Benefits of Warmth

Beyond just cooling, eating warm foods can also be beneficial for digestion. When you consume food or drink at a temperature closer to your core body temperature, your body doesn't have to expend extra energy to warm it up before digestion can begin. Cold foods and drinks can slow down the digestive process, making you feel sluggish, whereas warm food can help things move more efficiently. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long emphasized the importance of consuming warm, cooked foods to maintain a healthy digestive "fire" and improve the absorption of nutrients.

Conclusion

While counterintuitive, the idea that eating warm foods on hot days helps to cool you down is supported by science, particularly in dry climates. The key is the body's thermoregulation system, which responds to internal heat with external sweating. The efficiency of this process hinges on the ambient humidity—if sweat evaporates easily, you'll cool down; if not, you'll feel hotter. Choosing warm, spiced, or hydrating foods can be a savvy way to manage the heat, echoing centuries of wisdom from cultures around the world. The next time a heatwave hits, consider ditching the iced tea for a hot mint brew and see how your body reacts.

For more information on the science of thermoregulation, you can explore the research of Professor Ollie Jay.

Frequently Asked Questions

In a dry climate, a hot cup of tea can be more effective for long-term cooling because it triggers a sweating response that lowers your core temperature. However, in a humid environment where sweat can't evaporate, iced tea is likely to provide more comfort.

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which tricks the brain into thinking the body is overheating. This activates the body's cooling mechanisms, primarily sweating, which then cools you down through evaporation.

The amount of heat generated by a typical warm meal or drink is minimal compared to the overall fluid volume in your body. It is enough to trigger the sweating response but won't significantly increase your core temperature for long.

While it won't be as effective for cooling and might even feel more uncomfortable initially, you can still eat warm food. In humid conditions, the evaporation of sweat is hindered, so the cooling effect is diminished.

A good strategy is to choose light, hydrating warm foods (like brothy soups) in dry heat to promote sweating. In high humidity, opt for fresh, hydrating foods like salads and fruits, and always prioritize drinking plenty of fluids.

Individual responses can vary. Factors like metabolism, health conditions, and personal comfort levels influence how a person reacts to hot or cold foods in different weather. The science suggests it works for most people, especially in dry heat, but personal experience is also important.

Yes, aside from promoting cooling in dry climates, consuming warm foods can aid digestion by requiring less energy for the body to process. It can also help replenish lost electrolytes, especially if the food is a broth or soup.