A cup of hot tea seems like a perfect choice to start the day with on cold winter mornings or to wind down on rainy evenings. However, most of us would think twice before getting a hot cup of tea during a hot summer day in the USA. But here’s an interesting fact about tea. It serves as an equally refreshing drink even on warm summer days. Also, it is healthier for our body, too, when compared to soda-based drinks. Additionally, there are other reasons to get yourself a cup of hot tea this summer. Let us have a look at these reasons –

• Tea Lowers Body Temperature –

Many of us avoid having hot cups of tea during the summer months because we think that the heat will make us feel more uncomfortable. However, contrary to popular belief, sipping on hot tea on a hot summer day will help you to stay fresh more than any ice-cold drinks.

According to scientists, this is because when we consume hot beverages like tea, it makes us sweat more. Eventually, when the perspiration on our skin evaporates, it helps the body to cool down. On the other hand, drinking ice cold drinks on a hot and humid day may sound like a refreshing prospect, but it restricts the flow of blood in our body and makes it retain heat. Thus, our core body temperature increases and makes us feel warmer.

• It will keep you Hydrated –

Drinking two or more cups of tea can help you stay hydrated during the hot summer months. Earlier it was thought that since tea contains caffeine which is a diuretic (increases urine production in the body) can lower our body fluid level and cause dehydration. But according to recent studies, it was seen that the caffeine content in tea is very low and drinking it in moderation will contribute to our daily fluid needs instead of causing harm.

• Reduce Skin Damage –

Tea contains flavonoids which are a type of antioxidant. These antioxidants work against free radicals in our body which cause cell damage and premature ageing. After drinking tea, instead of throwing away the used tea bags, One you can refrigerate them and then apply the cold tea bags on the sum damaged areas to reduce the skin irritation and redness. This, in turn, helps one to prevent skin cancer caused by the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Besides antioxidants, tea also has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which are useful for treating acne, which is a common skin problem during the summer season. During the summer season, the humid weather encourages the sebaceous glands in our skin to secrete more sebum which causes acne and oiliness. Tea contains polyphenols which help in reducing the production of sebum.

• Helps in Better Digestion –

During the summer season, the extreme heat and humidity can affect our metabolism and cause stomach infections. Tea contains anti-microbial properties which encourage the growth of good bacteria and kill harmful bacteria like salmonella thereby improving digestion and better gut health.

Tea is rich in antioxidants such as catechins and vitamin C, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking tea regularly during the summer season reduces inflammation and strengthens our body’s immune system against common infections. These antioxidants also lower the formation of bad cholesterol around our arteries and keep our blood pressure in check, thereby facilitating better heart health.

You can also opt for a variety of tea options such as green tea, white tea, oolong tea beside the good old black tea to soothe your body and mind during the hot summer days.