Study Shows That’s Why Keep Your Food and Drinks Hot

A study confirms that your favorite hot beverage helps regulate emotions and reduces anxiety. This research was published in the British Journal of Nutrition on September 18, 2025. This suggests that the temperature of the drink, more than its content, makes a big difference. Warm beverages can help ease emotional distress and ease digestive discomfort. Maybe it’s time to reconsider that glass of iced coffee.

What the study found

Researchers at San Diego State University studied how the temperature of food and drinks affects mental and physical health. They examined the responses of more than 400 adults in the United States, including both Asian and white participants.

They found that Asian participants who consumed cold foods and drinks were more likely to report anxiety and insomnia. Separately, white participants who drank hot beverages during the winter reported fewer depressive symptoms, insomnia and digestive discomfort.

The study also states that sensitivity to cold foods and beverages is greater in people with poor circulation. Frequent cold hands are a common sign.

what does it mean

These findings are consistent with long-standing, time-tested principles of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Both traditions suggest that warm foods aid digestion and relax mental health.

Your gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. This is why slow digestion can affect gut health and cause anxiety. Cold foods require additional digestive energy, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. Additionally, cold foods are often processed and may lack adequate nutrition.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.