Swishing peppermint gives off an instant cooling sensation, according to Alexander (Image: GETTY)
With the UK heatwave at its peak, many Britons will be seeking methods to stay cool amid the scorching temperatures. While maintaining proper hydration remains crucial, several lesser-known techniques may help your body feel cooler in the heat, according to experts.
Alexander Matveenko, a climate tech expert and co-founder of Rainbow Weather, has revealed a surprising method to beat the summer heat that athletes reportedly swear by.
According to him, swishing peppermint around your mouth before spitting it out can produce an immediate cooling effect.
“Swish peppermint and spit it out. This ritual triggers your body’s built-in cold receptors, creating an instant cooling sensation head to toe. Elite athletes swear by it in hot competitions,” he said.
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With the heatwave in full swing, many will be looking for ways to stay cool (Image: GETTY)
Studies also back the notion that menthol, a naturally occurring compound present in peppermint, can help individuals feel cooler during hot conditions.
A 2021 study, published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, discovered that athletes who consumed a menthol-containing energy gel while training reported experiencing a greater cooling sensation, compared with those administered a placebo.
Another 2020 meta-analysis investigated whether menthol influences how individuals perceive heat and perform during physical activity. Researchers analysed multiple studies and concluded that menthol consistently made participants feel cooler and marginally more comfortable while exercising in warm environments.
In certain instances, it also seemed to enhance endurance performance, especially when applied topically and utilised in warmer conditions.
A climate tech expert shared how to cool down in the heatwave (Image: GETTY)
Nevertheless, despite the more pronounced cooling sensation, menthol did not meaningfully alter crucial physiological indicators such as core body temperature, perspiration levels, or heart rate.
Researchers determined that menthol primarily modifies the perception of heat rather than physically lowering the body’s temperature.
According to nutritionist and wellness coach Simone Thomas, peppermint provides “a natural way to cool down” because menthol activates the body’s cooling receptors.
Speaking to The Mirror, she added that peppermint is “easy to grow in the garden or in pots, and cheap to pick up in the supermarket”.
However, for those who cannot stomach drinking hot peppermint tea during warm weather, she recommended freezing it into ice cubes for later use, or adding fresh mint to a jug of water for a refreshing herbal-infused beverage.
Meanwhile, a sleep expert has disclosed how to cut down on frequent nocturnal toilet visits while still maintaining hydration during the heatwave.
Maryanne Taylor, sleep consultant and founder of The Sleep Works, suggests consuming water-rich foods such as cucumber, watermelon and celery to help sustain hydration levels.
She also recommends increasing fluid intake earlier in the day and reducing substantial liquid consumption in the hour or two before bedtime to help limit night time bathroom visits.
