Blood clots: The nation’s favourite drink could make your blood sticky –

“In order to avoid becoming dehydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids.”

Yet, as seen above, not all fluids are created equal; some may be more hydrating than others.

Professor Whitely recommends sipping on water, diluted squash, herbal teas, and fruit juice to help remain hydrated.

Researcher and chemist, Doctor Tim Bond from the Tea Advisory Panel, disagrees with the notion that tea could be dehydrating.

“Tea potentially increasing the risk of blood clots because of dehydration echoes very outdated science,” he said.

Doctor Bond added: “Recent studies, including a RCT [randomised controlled trial], have actually shown that tea offers the same hydrating properties to water.

“Intakes of six to eight servings of black tea has been found to be equally as hydrating as water – based on a range of markers of hydration status.”

For hot days and balmy evenings, Professor Whiteley recommends:

• Staying in the shade as much as possible
• Avoiding direct heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.