Coffee is beloved by billions of people around the world because it sharpens focus and helps you be more productive, not to mention it provides a big boost of energy. It’s also a great source of potassium, riboflavin and antioxidants. But is it good for you? It turns out that the answer is yes, with one catch. According to a new study, it’s the type of heat that matters. That’s because drinking a hot cup of coffee actually cools you down more than a cold one — but only under certain conditions.
When it’s hot, a cup of steaming brew activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) nerve receptors on your tongue and mouth, as well as the thermosensors in your stomach. This causes your brain to signal your body to produce sweat, and once it does, that perspiration can help you cool down. But only if you’re wearing light, breathable clothes that allow the moisture to evaporate and not trap it.
Besides cooling you down, coffee is also an excellent beverage for staying healthy. It’s full of beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants, folic acid, potassium and B vitamins. It’s also a good source of caffeine, which is known to stimulate the central nervous system and improve cognitive functioning.
However, some people have a hard time downing scalding hot coffee or tea because of a condition called Mao She (also known as nekozita or cat tongue). This is because they lack the enzymes that can withstand high temperatures and may suffer from painful burns, blisters and swelling.
