New Study Links Food and Beverage Temperature to Mental and Digestive Health
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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1, 2025 – A new study published by researchers at San Diego State University has revealed surprising connections between the temperature of foods and beverages and their effects on mental health and digestive well-being.
The findings, shared on MedicalXpress, show that dietary habits related to temperature may play a more significant role in overall health than previously thought. Among Asian participants, higher consumption of cold drinks during the summer months was associated with increased levels of anxiety, poor sleep quality, and feelings of abdominal fullness.
In contrast, for White participants, drinking more hot beverages in the winter was linked to reduced depression symptoms, improved sleep, and fewer digestive complaints. These differences suggest that cultural practices, environmental factors, and physiological responses may influence how the body and mind react to food and beverage temperatures.
Researchers say the findings highlight the importance of paying attention not just to what we eat, but also how it is consumed. “Temperature is a simple yet often overlooked factor that could influence both mental health and digestive comfort,” the study notes, urging more research across diverse populations.
As Malaysia and the wider Asian region continue to emphasize balanced diets and healthy lifestyles, this study provides a new perspective on how everyday choices like preferring a cold drink or a hot tea, might affect well-being beyond simple refreshment.
