On a hot summer day, each of us has stood in front of the beverage cabinet and hesitated: whether to choose a cold drink to ward off the heat or a hot cup of tea to nourish our body and mind, a seemingly simple choice that hides a profound impact on our health.
Imagine a hot summer afternoon with the sun high and a heat wave in the air. With a cold drink in your hand or a warm and comforting cup of hot tea, your choice may be more important than you think.
Let me take you back to last summer, when a reader who regularly reads our health column, Mr. Zhang, suffered a health crisis. He loves cold drinks, and on a sultry afternoon, he suddenly had a stomach ache because of drinking a large number of cold drinks in a row, and was rushed to the hospital. This incident not only had an impact on Mr. Zhang's body, but also caused him to rethink his drink choices.
The freezing point and craze of cold drinks – behind a cold drink
1. Types and characteristics of cold drinks
In the summer heat, cold drinks become the first choice for many people. From fruit juices and ice creams to a variety of carbonated beverages, there is a wide variety of cold beverages, each of which brings instant cooling and satisfaction. However, the main ingredients in these drinks are usually water, sugar, and different flavor additives. The core characteristic of cold drinks is their low temperature, which allows them to quickly lower their body temperature when drinking, giving them the effect of cooling off.
2. Health effects of cold drinks
While a cold drink brings temporary relief in hot weather, its effects on the body cannot be ignored. The low temperature of cold drinks may cause digestive discomfort, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, and excessively cold drinks can irritate the stomach mucosa, which may cause stomach pain or other digestive problems. In addition, the high content of sugar in cold drinks is also a hidden danger, and long-term high intake may increase the risk of abnormal glucose metabolism.
3. The reaction of specific groups of people to cold drinks
For middle-aged and elderly people, more caution should be exercised when choosing cold drinks. As they age, the body's ability to adapt to temperature changes decreases, and the low temperature of cold drinks becomes more irritating to their gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, if you already have a chronic disease such as abnormal glucose metabolism, the high sugar content in cold drinks may adversely affect the condition. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly people need to pay more attention to the potential health risks while enjoying the coolness of cold drinks.
Hot drinks: a warm surprise on a summer day
In the summer heat, people tend to instinctively choose cold drinks to cool down. However, the role of hot beverages in summer is often overlooked. In fact, consuming certain hot beverages in moderation can not only bring unexpected benefits to the body but also enhance our overall health.
1. Types and characteristics of hot beverages
Traditional hot beverages, such as green, black or herbal teas, are a healthy choice for summer. Not only do these drinks provide soothing calories, but they are also rich in antioxidants and trace elements, which are beneficial for maintaining a stable environment in the body. For example, the catechins in green tea can help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries.
2. Health benefits of hot beverages
Hot drinks play an important role in regulating body temperature. When the ambient temperature is high, drinking hot beverages can help the body dissipate heat by inducing sweat glands to secrete, thus achieving a cooling effect. In addition, hot drinks can also promote digestion and increase metabolism, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, these effects are particularly important.
3. Hot drink options for specific people
For middle-aged and elderly people and people with health problems such as abnormal glucose metabolism, it is especially important to choose the right hot drink. For example, choosing a sugar-free or low-sugar herbal tea can avoid a rapid rise in blood sugar while enjoying the comfort of a hot drink. In addition, hot drinks containing ginger or mint not only refresh the mind but also aid digestion, making it a great choice for middle-aged and elderly people who often experience stomach upset.
Hot and cold drinks, smart choices!
When it comes to summer beverage options, both cold and hot beverages have their own unique effects and benefits. This section will provide an in-depth comparative analysis of these two drinks to help you make a more informed choice.
The charms and worries of cold drinks
Charm:
Instant cooling: Cold drinks can quickly lower body temperature, bringing an instant cooling sensation.
Taste Enjoyment: A variety of flavors and types of cold drinks to satisfy taste buds.
Worry:
Digestive stress: Cold drinks may cause gastrointestinal upset, especially when consumed in excess.
Vascular reactions: Cold drinks cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, which can affect the heart and blood pressure.
Benefits and considerations of hot beverages
Benefit:
Promotes digestion: Hot drinks help promote gastrointestinal motility and improve digestion.
Physical comfort: A moderate amount of hot beverages can provide a long-lasting feeling of warmth and reduce the burden on the body.
Consider:
Summer Suitability: In hot weather, hot drinks can cause the body to overheat.
Variety: There may be fewer types of hot drinks than cold drinks, so you need to be selective.
Comprehensive analysis and recommendations
When choosing a summer drink, it is important to consider the individual's health and physical needs. For example, for people with abnormal glucose metabolism or elevated blood pressure in the systemic arteries, it is more important to choose low- or sugar-free beverages, whether cold or hot.
Individual differences: Choose the type of drink that suits you according to your personal constitution. For example, people with sensitive gastrointestinal function should reduce their intake of cold beverages.
Middle-aged and elderly people: This group of people should pay special attention to the temperature and composition of the drink, and avoid cold drinks with strong irritation.
Balance your intake: Balance your intake of hot and cold beverages and avoid drinks with extreme temperatures.
With these tips, you can stay healthy and comfortable while enjoying your summer drinks. Remember, wise choices are based on an understanding of your body's needs and proper self-regulation. Summer drinks are not only a taste enjoyment, but also a care for health.