Mumbai: Tea is a beloved global beverage, enjoyed by many as a morning ritual. With a wide variety of options, from green and black teas to herbal blends, tea offers numerous health benefits, such as boosting energy, supporting heart health, lowering cholesterol, and aiding in weight loss. However, excessive tea consumption can impair nutrient absorption, increase anxiety, disrupt sleep, and cause heartburn.
Best time to drink tea
Tea and coffee should be consumed in moderation, as the tannins in these drinks can affect iron and protein absorption. To ensure proper nutrient absorption, it is advised to avoid drinking tea or coffee at least one hour before and after meals.
Drinking tea immediately after a meal can hinder nutrient absorption.
Some experts however suggest that having tea with breakfast is acceptable as long as you balance it with foods that enhance nutrient absorption.
Avoid drinking tea right before bedtime due to its caffeine content.
For a soothing evening cup, opt for herbal teas like chamomile, which can aid relaxation and improve sleep quality.
How much tea and coffee should be consumed in a day?
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition, Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system and lead to physiological dependence.
A typical 150 ml cup of brewed coffee contains 80-120mg of caffeine, while instant coffee has 50-65 mg, and tea contains 30-65 mg. The ICMR recommends limiting caffeine intake to no more than 300mg per day.
Excessive coffee consumption can raise blood pressure and lead to irregular heartbeats, as well as increase total and bad cholesterol levels, potentially leading to heart disease.
Negative effects of drinking tea or coffee first thing in the morning
Disrupt metabolism: Consuming tea or coffee on an empty stomach can disrupt your stomach’s natural acid-base balance. Since these beverages are acidic, they can interfere with digestion and hinder metabolic processes.
Dehydration: Both tea and coffee act as diuretics, leading to increased urine production. As your body is already dehydrated after sleep, starting your day with these drinks can exacerbate dehydration.
Bloating: If you add milk to your tea or coffee, the high lactose content can negatively affect your gut, potentially causing bloating or constipation. Additionally, the acidity of these drinks can lead to gas and bloating.
Tooth erosion: Tea and coffee often contain sugar, which, when combined with their acidity, can contribute to tooth erosion. Bacteria in your mouth break down the sugar, further increasing the acidity and damaging your teeth.
Impact your diet: Drinking tea or coffee first thing in the morning might suppress your appetite, causing you to skip breakfast. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, slower metabolism, and fatigue.
If you prefer a morning cup, ensure it’s not on an empty stomach. Enjoying these beverages with an evening snack is also a good option.
Although a morning cup of tea or coffee might be a comforting routine, consuming these beverages on an empty stomach can be detrimental to your health.
While tea has some health benefits, such as flavonoids and antioxidants that support heart health and circulation, these benefits are best enjoyed when tea is consumed without milk and in moderation.
Adhering to these guidelines allows you to optimise the benefits of tea and coffee while mitigating any potential drawbacks. Whether you start your day with a cup or use it to unwind in the evening, knowing how to integrate tea properly into your daily routine can enhance your overall well-being and satisfaction.
Learn the optimal times and safe intake limits for enjoying tea and coffee, along with the pitfalls of consuming them first thing in the morning. Discover how to savour your favourite beverages while maintaining your health. Fitness Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
