5 mistakes that turn tea into poison
Tea is considered one of the most consumed beverages in the world, due to its aromatic taste and multiple health benefits, especially if prepared correctly.
It is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body, and contributes to improving mood and enhancing concentration. However, despite its benefits, tea can turn into a harmful drink if some common mistakes are made while preparing or drinking it.
Here are five key mistakes nutrition and health experts warn against:
1. Fermentation of very concentrated tea
Some people think that increasing the amount of tea leaves gives them more benefit or better taste, but the truth is the opposite. It is recommended to use 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup, adding only an additional spoon when preparing a large jug.
Concentrated tea contains high levels of caffeine
- which may cause insomnia
- increased heart rate
- and excessive stimulation of
the nervous system.
- It is also rich in tannins, compounds that may cause intestinal disorders
- and constipation. In addition, excessive drinking of concentrated tea makes it
- a powerful diuretic, which increases the loss of fluids and salts in the body.
2. Let the tea ferment for a long time or drink yesterday's tea
When tea is left for a long time after preparation, the beneficial polyphenol component oxidizes, and the drink loses most of its nutritional value.
Worse still
- leaving it exposed or at room temperature for
- long periods may allow harmful bacteria or fungi to grow
- posing a health risk. Therefore, it is preferable to drink tea within
one hour of preparing it, and not reheat yesterday's tea.
3. Drinking tea is too hot
Some people like to drink tea while it is almost boiling, but very hot drinks cause great damage to the mucous membranes of the throat, esophagus and stomach.
This recurrent damage may lead to chronic infections or scarring, which in the long term can increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Therefore
- it is recommended to let the tea cool
- slightly until its temperature reaches
- a comfortable level for drinking.
4. Drinking tea on an empty stomach
Drinking tea first thing in the morning before breakfast may cause stomach upset and heartburn in some cases, and its compounds may temporarily suppress
the feeling of hunger :
leading to skipping breakfast, which is one of the most important daily meals.
In addition, caffeine in tea may increase acid secretion in the stomach
which exacerbates acidity problems.
It is best to drink tea half an hour after eating a balanced meal
to benefit from its stimulating effect and improve digestion.
5. Drink tea immediately after eating
Tea contains compounds that bind to iron in food
which hinders its absorption in the intestines, especially if the source of iron is plant. Some of its components may also reduce the efficiency of protein absorption.
For this reason
it is preferable to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking tea
so that your meal does not lose its nutritional value.