Fond of drinking tea every day? Here’s what to know

— Eat something before you have your chai

Taking with meals

When taken with meals, tannins and phytates hinder iron absorption. “It potentially contributes to low iron levels or anemia, emphasising the importance of balancing tea consumption with a varied diet rich in iron,” said Dr Sukrit Singh Sethi, consultant, gastroenterology, hepatology and liver transplantation, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.
— Drink tea in between the main meals (mid-morning or snack time)

Your sleep may be hampered if you drink too many cups or too close to bedtime (Source: Pexels)

Drinking late in the evening

This habit can cause sleep disturbances in many. Dr Gude mentioned that the theophyllines in tea are stimulants and tend to keep one hyper and hence can hamper a good night’s sleep.

— avoid drinking 6-8 hours before your bedtime

Multiple cups daily

drinking too much tea leads to acidity, sleep disturbances, low iron levels, disturbed gut health, and increased caffeine intake > increases cortisol levels. According to Dr Gude, drinking tea many times a day can push those with increased resting heart rate into getting tachyarrhythmias. Blood pressure fluctuations are also common in those consuming tea multiple times.

— stick to 1-2 cups a day

Using plastic sieve/channi

hot tea when it comes in contact with plastic can lead to the leaching of toxins (BPA) from plastic. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor i.e. leads to many hormonal changes in the body. Dr Gude too agreed and shared drinking tea in plastic cups or plastic-coated disposable cups can cause endocrine disruptors to seep in there by multiplying the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, breast cancer etc.

— Always better to drink tea in steel or porcelain containers, said Dr Gude. 

Adding too much sugar

Adding too much sugar can increase our overall caloric intake, and sugar has no nutrition. Excess sugar can spike your blood insulin/glucose levels putting you at risk for many health conditions. According to Dr Gude, people underestimate the amount of calories consumption of tea can give to their bodies. “Adding sugar and consuming more than 3 times a day puts them at high calories and requires an equivalent strenuous exercise,” said Dr Gude.

— control/be mindful about how much sugar you’re adding.

Dr Sukrit added, “Moderation, mindful pairing with meals, and choosing appropriate utensils are key considerations for maintaining a healthy tea-drinking routine.”

 

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