Why do I like my tea or coffee scalding hot? Will it harm me?

In the world of coffee connoisseurs and tea enthusiasts, a peculiar preference emerges — the love for scalding-hot beverages and foods that elicit a complex blend of sensations, from warmth to intensity. While some crave the steamy embrace of a piping-hot cup, others savour the scalding bite of a fresh-off-the-stove meal. But what fuels this inclination toward hot foods?

Dr Mazher Ali, consultant – psychiatry, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that it could be attributed to psychological, sensory, and cultural factors. “Biologically, our inclination for warmth finds resonance in evolutionary history. Consider the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly day – an experience rooted in the biological predisposition to seek warmth, which historically symbolised safety and nourishment,” he tells indianexpress.com in an interaction.

Psychologically, it can also be akin to seeking controlled discomfort. Picture sipping a piping hot beverage, where the initial intensity of heat is satisfying, providing a nuanced example of how individuals find pleasure in challenging their sensory thresholds.

Delving into cultural influences, the fondness for spicy foods becomes apparent. Think of the joy derived from sharing spicy dishes during festive celebrations or family gatherings, reminded Dr Ali. “The shared culinary practices within social circles contribute significantly to shaping individual inclinations, underscoring how cultural elements become ingrained in our taste preferences.”

The allure of warmth, whether from temperature or spiciness, is a multi-faceted experience. It transcends the physical and delves into the realms of psychology and culture resulting in a widespread appreciation of hot and spicy foods. But is it harmful as a preference?

Can eating/ drinking scalding hot food harm your health?

Dr G. Sushma Kumari, clinical dietician, CARE Hospitals listed some benefits of eating hot foods.

• The warmth from hot foods can improve digestion by aiding the breakdown of food in the stomach, potentially easing digestive discomfort.
• Hot foods often contain spices that carry antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health. For instance, turmeric, commonly found in hot curries, has anti-inflammatory benefits.

However, it’s crucial to find a balance, Dr Kumari warned as excessively hot foods can pose challenges. “Extreme temperatures might lead to burns or irritation in the mouth, oesophagus, or stomach lining. An example of this is consuming scalding hot liquids, like extremely hot tea, which can cause thermal injuries,” she explained.

Individual tolerance to hot foods varies, and what might be comfortable for one person could be too hot for another. In essence, finding the right balance between enjoying warmth and avoiding excessive heat is crucial for both pleasure and safety.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/scalding-hot-tea-coffee-health-advantages-9058292/