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A recent study from San Diego State University reveals that the temperature of your beverage can influence mood, sleep, and gut health. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, involved over 400 American adults, primarily Asian and White, and found that drink temperature has measurable links to anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.
Researchers discovered that Asian participants who consumed more cold beverages during warmer months experienced increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and feelings of abdominal fullness. In contrast, White participants reported improved mood, better sleep quality, and fewer gastrointestinal problems when drinking hot beverages in winter. The study, as detailed by SDSU, is the first in the U.S. to directly link dietary temperature to multiple health outcomes.
Tianying Wu, an associate professor of epidemiology at SDSU, emphasized the broad relevance of these findings, noting that both cultural and physiological factors play a role. The study highlighted that individuals with "cold hands," possibly indicating reduced circulation, experienced more pronounced effects.
The research echoes traditional Asian medicine, which advises against excessive cold consumption. Jessica Mack, a wellness expert, told Fox News that warm beverages can stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and the release of mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin.
The study's authors suggest further research to explore these effects, particularly among adults and those with poor circulation. The findings underscore the potential impact of simple daily choices on health and well-being.