Love Tea After Meals? Here’s Why It Could Be Harming Your Health
Love Tea After Meals? Here’s Why It Could Be Harming Your Health
Many people enjoy a cup of tea right after eating, but doing so might not be the best idea. Drinking tea immediately after a meal can affect the way your body absorbs nutrients, especially iron.
Tea contains compounds like tannins and polyphenols. These can bind to non-heme iron, which is the kind of iron found in plant-based foods. When this happens, it becomes harder for your body to absorb that iron. Over time, this can lead to lower iron levels, especially in people who already have low iron or follow vegetarian and vegan diets.
Some Teas Affect Iron More Than Others
Not all teas have the same impact. Black tea and green tea usually have more tannins, which means they can reduce iron absorption more than others. Masala chai, which is made with black tea and spices like ginger and cloves, can still affect iron, though the spices might help with digestion.
Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint usually have fewer tannins. They are less likely to affect how your body absorbs nutrients. However, how your body reacts to these teas can vary depending on the herbs and your digestion.
The best time to have tea
To avoid affecting iron levels, it’s better to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after a meal before drinking tea. This gives your body time to absorb important nutrients first. People with low iron, anemia, or those recovering from illness may find this timing even more important.
Those with digestion issues like acid reflux should also avoid tea right after eating, as it could make symptoms worse.
Tips to Drink Tea the Right Way
How you prepare tea also makes a difference. Avoid boiling tea for too long, as this can reduce its benefits. Try not to use too much milk or sugar, and skip tea bags if you can, loose tea leaves are better. If you prefer tea at night, having it around 8:30 PM can support digestion. Drinking tea around 3 PM is also a good option, as it can help support your immune system.
Being mindful of when and how you drink tea can help you enjoy it without harming your health.
