The Hong Kong Observatory predicts a significant drop in temperature, with urban areas expected to experience lows of around 14 degrees on Wednesday (Nov. 19) and Thursday (Nov. 20). During this cold wave, many people turn to hot beverages like steaming coffee and ginger tea to keep warm. However, it turns out that the warming effects of coffee and ginger tea rank only 6th and 3rd, respectively, while drinking alcohol not only fails to keep you warm but may actually make you feel colder.
So, which drinks are the most warming? A Japanese TV program, "この差って何ですか?", tested various common hot beverages for their warming effects.
6th Place: Coffee
Coffee only provides warming effects for about 9 minutes, meaning its heat-retaining properties wear off quickly.
5th Place: Green Tea
Green tea offers warming effects lasting up to 14 minutes, which is slightly longer than coffee.
4th Place: Amazake (Sweet Rice Drink)
Amazake can keep you warm for up to 27 minutes due to its higher sugar content, which generates heat as the body absorbs it.
3rd Place: Ginger Tea
Ginger tea provides warming effects for about 47 minutes, as gingerol helps generate heat.
2nd Place: Black Tea
Black tea can keep you warm for approximately 52 minutes, as theaflavins promote blood circulation.
1st Place: Hot Chocolate
According to the test, hot chocolate warms you for up to 59 minutes due to cocoa polyphenols that enhance blood circulation.
Additionally, some people choose to drink beer for warmth, but the Hospital Authority points out that excessive drinking in cold weather not only fails to provide warmth but can also lead to hypothermia. The authority explains that alcohol dilates blood vessels, giving a temporary feeling of warmth, but this is just an illusion. After a brief period of warmth, the body loses heat more quickly because the blood vessels cannot constrict in time, leaving you feeling colder.
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