Background Information on Hot Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world. It contains different kinds of caffeine, sugar, and creamers that are often combined with boiling water to make it. Because of its high temperature, drinking hot coffee through a straw is not the most common way to drink it. Despite this, there are some benefits to drinking hot coffee with a straw, such as the ability to avoid mouth burns and concentrate the flavors.
Views from Experts on Hot Coffee Drinking
Health and nutrition experts weigh in on the potential risk/rewards of drinking hot coffee with a straw. Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, explains that “some people with sensitive mouths (or teens with braces) might find drinking hot coffee with a straw helpful.” As far as nutrition, Jess Cording, RD, suggests another benefit: “Drinking hot coffee with a straw may help some people to drink more and get more of the hydration and energy boost they need.”
Other experts disagree. Dr. Roberta Lee, MD, asserts that drinking hot coffee with a straw can be dangerous. “The straw can reach high enough temperatures to cause burns to the inside of the mouth and throat. This is particularly dangerous for individuals who drink coffee with sugar or creamers which contain sugar, which could cause burns or blisters on the inside of the throat.”
Personal Analysis on Hot Coffee Drinking
From my personal experience, the most important concern about drinking hot coffee with a straw is the potential for mouth and throat burns. I recommend that anyone trying this method should start by sipping a small amount and adjusting from there. This will give you an idea of the temperature and whether or not it is comfortable to drink. Another suggestion is to use a thicker straw or a “tumbler straw” which is designed to safely insulate drinks of up to 200 degrees and prevent burns.
Pros and Cons of Drinking Hot Coffee with a Straw
Pros of drinking hot coffee with a straw include avoiding mouth burns and more intense flavor concentration. Cons include risk of burns and discomfort with higher temperatures. Additionally, some may not like the technique of having to sip the coffee and then remove the straw.
How to Drink Hot Coffee with a Straw
When drinking hot coffee with a straw there are some important steps to take in order to avoid burns or discomfort. Firstly, use a thicker or insulated straw to limit temperature exposure. Secondly, sip cautiously to determine temperature and comfort level. Finally, use caution when drinking thick creams or sugary drinks as these can easily cause burns.
Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Coffee
Studies suggest that one of the health benefits of drinking hot coffee with a straw is the ability to boost cognitive performance. This is because hot coffee is faster to drink than cold coffee and can thus provide an additional energy and focus boost. Other mentioned benefits include better digestion, improved skin health, and improved blood circulation.
Tips for Optimal Coffee Consumption
In order to get the most out of any coffee drinking, here are some tips to keep in mind: drink coffee in moderation, choose quality coffee beans, never microwave coffee, and don’t add too much sugar, cream, or flavorings. Additionally, serve coffee in a thermos to keep it warm for extended periods of time and store coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Potential Risks of Drinking Hot Coffee
High temperatures of hot coffee and coffee-based drinks can present some risk, especially when ingested in large amounts. The biggest risk comes from scalding or burns which could result in tissue damage to the mouth, throat and even esophagus. Other potential risks include an increased risk of heartburn, nausea, and stomach aches.
Alternative Ways to Enjoy Coffee
Drinking hot coffee with a straw isn’t the only way to enjoy coffee. Cold brew is a popular alternative to hot coffee and it can be enjoyed in the same fashion. Cold brew is made with cold water and can be served with a variety of flavors such as coconut or almond milk. Additionally, some specialized machines are able to make Nitro cold brew which is served on tap with a creamy foam top.
Sugary and Creamy Drinks
Sugary and creamy drinks such as iced lattes and frappuccinos are often seen as more enjoyable versions of traditional hot coffees. In addition to being served cold, these kinds of drinks often contain a variety of flavorings such as syrups and are heavily sweetened. Thus, care should be taken when drinking these kind of drinks through a straw as they can often cause burns. Additionally, while they may be seen as more enjoyable, they should be consumed in moderation as they can contain high amounts of added sugars and fat.
