Lifestyle
Hot karak helps cool the body in UAE summer, science shows
Despite summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C, residents continue to drink hot karak tea for its physiological cooling effects and cultural importance.
Drinking hot karak tea is a year-round ritual in the UAE that does not stop for summer. Scientists explain that consuming hot beverages in high heat can trigger a sweat response that ultimately cools the body down more effectively than a cold drink, while the drink itself is a cornerstone of social life.
Hot karak tea remains a daily staple for many UAE residents even as summer temperatures reach extreme highs. The practice is rooted in both physiological science and deep cultural tradition, making the sweet, milky tea a symbol of social connection and a practical tool for managing heat. While it may seem counterintuitive, consuming hot drinks like karak on a hot day can help cool the body. This phenomenon is related to the body's thermoregulation process. ## The science of cooling down Drinking a hot beverage temporarily raises your core body temperature. This increase is detected by nerve receptors in the mouth and throat, which then signal the brain to initiate a strong sweat response. "The key is that the hot drink triggers a sweat response that outweighs its own heat," according to a 2012 study by researchers at the University of Ottawa. As this sweat evaporates from the skin, it releases energy and produces a significant cooling effect. This process is most effective in dry conditions where sweat can evaporate quickly. While the UAE has high humidity on the coast, the principle still applies, especially in drier inland areas or air-conditioned environments where the initial…