4 common tea-drinking habits that may be doing more harm than good

Tea, when consumed in moderation, can offer health benefits thanks to its antioxidants and other compounds. However, the way tea is consumed can impact its potential benefits or even cause discomfort for some individuals. By paying attention to when and how tea is drunk, a healthy habit can be maintained. Dr. NK Soni, a Senior Consultant at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, advises that tea can be part of a healthy routine, but factors such as the amount of sugar, the strength of the tea, and the time gap between meals and tea are crucial to consider.

Parimal Shah, Founder of Cherise India and Meenakshi Aggarwal, a Clinical Dietician at Marengo Asia Hospitals, also highlight common tea-drinking mistakes. For instance, drinking tea immediately after meals can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron from food, which can be problematic for individuals at risk of iron deficiency. Another mistake is adding excessive sugar to tea, which can increase the overall calorie content and lead to unwanted calorie intake over time.

Drinking tea while it is excessively hot is another concern, as regularly consuming extremely hot beverages can irritate the mouth and food pipe. Lastly, using tea as a meal replacement is discouraged, as it may suppress appetite temporarily due to caffeine but lacks the nutritional value of a full meal in terms of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.