As India experiences its unpredictable winter, many prefer to end the day with a peg of rum or whiskey, a plate of kebabs or tandoori chicken, and their favourite web series. The belief that a drink or two can keep the chill away is quite popular—but is it true?
Let’s explore whether alcohol actually warms you up. According to medical experts, this is one of the biggest winter myths. Alcohol may create a sense of warmth, but it doesn’t truly warm your body.
Here’s how it works—alcohol causes blood vessels near the skin to expand, allowing more blood to flow to the surface. This gives you a “feeling of warmth”, but not actual warmth. In fact, this process draws blood away from vital organs, lowering your core body temperature. Experts warn that, in extreme cold, this can even lead to hypothermia if not managed carefully.
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Alcohol also reduces your ability to sense cold temperatures and suppresses natural responses like shivering, which help keep you warm. So that so-called ‘rum jacket’ or ‘brandy jacket’ might actually put you at greater risk in harsh winter conditions.
Since alcohol can impair judgment, it might also lead to risky behaviour, such as stepping out without a jacket in freezing weather—further exposing you to the cold and potentially causing a dangerous drop in body temperature.
In conclusion, while a peg or two might lift your spirits, don’t let it trick you into shedding your layers. Stay warm and safe this winter!