Listen up, tea lovers!
Sipping a cup of tea first thing in the morning is a ritual for many. While that chai ki chuski seems indispensable to tea lovers, there are certain things they must be mindful of in order to not let their health suffer. Nutritionist Avni Kaul breaks it down.
THE DOS
Drink tea two hours after a meal: The expert suggests, “One should always have tea after a gap of at least two hours post breakfast or any meal. It is okay to have a cup in the morning or evening, but one should keep away from having tea along with a proper meal.”
Have tea by 8:30pm: For those who like drinking tea at night, it’s recommended to have it before 8:30pm. This is the time when digestion is still strong, and the added boost of caffeine can aid in metabolism.
Always opt for a good quality tea: The tea market is flooded with a myriad of options, so there is no reason to settle for poor-quality tea or dusty tea bags. The rationale behind this is quite simple — the better the quality of your tea, the better it will brew, This will not just ensure it tastes better, but also provides several health benefits.
THE DON’TS Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach:
Kaul suggests, “You should never drink tea on an empty stomach. Tea has tannins that could lead to acidity. Thus, you should try having it after you have had your meal.”
No caffeine before sleep: Refrain from having tea right before bedtime as caffeine can interfere with your sleep.
Never overboil your tea: Steeping your tea at low temperatures will help in retaining its benefits.
Don’t brew tea leaves for long: Instead of opting to use tea bags, it is better to use loose tea leaves as they have a stronger flavour, are fresher and less ground-down. However, do not brew tea leaves for a long time.
Do not add excess milk or sugar: Try maintaining the authenticity of the tea by not adding excess milk or sugar. If you like milk, then add some towards the end and turn off the gas stove after it boils.