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News Topical, Digital Desk : Most people start their day with a hot cup of tea. Some people love tea so much that they drink it with or after meals. Some even prefer to drink it with roti or paratha.
But did you know that this simple habit could be preventing your body from getting the nutrition it needs? In fact, drinking tea with or after meals can seriously harm your health. Let's find out how.
What does scientific research say?
Scientist P.B. Disler's research, "The Effect of Tea on Iron Absorption," clearly demonstrates that consuming tea and food together is unhealthy. Tea contains a chemical compound called tannin, which binds to the iron in our food.
When tannins and iron combine, they form a clumpy complex that our bodies are unable to digest. Simply put, drinking tea after a meal prevents the body from absorbing all the iron present in the food.
For which people is it more harmful?
Although this habit is harmful for everyone, it affects certain groups the most:
- Vegetarians – who rely solely on plant-based foods for iron.
- Teenagers and pregnant women – who need more iron due to physical changes. Iron deficiency due to tea can increase problems like fatigue, dizziness , and weakness.
When does the most damage occur?
The biggest obstacle to nutrient absorption is drinking tea during or immediately after a meal. This is when our bodies are actively absorbing energy and nutrients from food. Tea interrupts this process, blocking the nutrient flow.
What are the better options?
If you have a habit of drinking something with your meals, you can choose these alternatives instead of tea:
- Herbal Tea
- Lemonade
- Any drink rich in Vitamin C
These options are not only safe, but vitamin C drinks also help increase iron absorption in the body.
What is the right time to drink tea?
If you're a tea lover and want to take care of your health, make sure to leave at least an hour or two between meals and tea. While tea and food may be delicious, it's harmful to the body.
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