On Cold Drinks and Caffeine In Hot Weather: Common Sense Prevails
We're expecting to tie or break the June 9 temperature record today (KDKA claims the record is 94F, the NOAA has it at 92F).
We all know that keeping hydrated is important. But, is a cold drink best for your helping your body cool down?
Not necessarily. It's not just the temperature outside that matters. It's also the amount of energy your body needs to exert to process whatever you're ingesting. Sugary drinks require more energy to process as do dairy drinks, thus the cooling effect is somewhat negated after the initial burst of refreshment. And, like Mom told us all, if you drink a cold drink too fast on a hot day, you could get stomach cramps. So pace yourself with that smoothie!
It's also worth noting that in India and Japan, the favored hot weather beverage is a cup of hot tea as it helps regulate your body's temperature. Heresy to coffee drinkers, perhaps, but something to think about. People in Equatorial zones also eat a lot of hot peppers, which is why you'll be seeing a lot of spicier soups here in the coming weeks.
As far as caffeine intake, it's business as usual. If you're comfortable with your current daily intake, there appears to be no need to cut back in hot weather. From "Discovering Nutrition":
"...the DRI (Daily Recommended Intake) committee examining water and electrolyte requirements concluded that caffeinated beverages contribute to the total water intake in a manner similar to noncaffeinated beverages. Most Americans seem to consume a sufficient quantity and variety of fluid beverages to maintain fluid balance."
If you're looking for a flavorful, short caffeine boost, it's a great time to try a Shakerato. It's a delicious blast of ice cold espresso, shaken to give a nice little head. We've got three Shakeratos on the menu (our personal favorite is the "Aldo" with an anise-infused simply syrup). We're happy to provide an ice water chaser as well.
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