When evaluating food, it is important to consider many factors, such as freshness, quality of ingredients, their combination, and cooking method. The temperature of food also plays a significant role for the body. How exactly this affects health is explained by therapist, gastroenterologist, and dietitian Polina Shubina.
Polina Shubina notes that the temperature of food and drinks is rarely discussed. However, it can be a cause of health complaints.
“It should be remembered that consuming very cold dishes on an empty stomach can cause active contractions of the gastrointestinal tract muscles. This can lead to sharp cramping pains in the abdomen after a glass of cold water in the morning,” the doctor explains.
At the same time, Polina Shubina adds that warm food has the opposite effect, slowing down intestinal contractions, making it suitable for inflammatory processes and diarrhea issues.
Nevertheless, such treatment methods should not be used frequently. The doctor advises avoiding both overeating ice cream and consuming food that is too hot. Products with a temperature above 60 degrees can negatively affect the stomach and, according to scientific studies, double the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
“Previously, the so-called 'cold diet' was popular. Its essence was to prevent food from being fully digested and passing through the body before absorbing excess calories. There is some truth to this, as substances may indeed not have time to be absorbed. Not only calories but also all beneficial vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Furthermore, a significant downside is the contraction of muscles from cold food. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should be particularly cautious with cold dishes,” warns Polina Shubina.
The gastroenterologist also reminds that extremely cold and hot dishes negatively affect tooth enamel. She recommends consuming food at room temperature.
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