Is milkless tea healthier?

Are you a tea person? Well, in the spirit of World Tea Day, which was celebrated last Wednesday, BDLife had a chat on all matters tea with Jaelyn Mukuyi, a nutritionist-dietitian in Nairobi. From myths on the wonders of green tea to the herbal blend craze, she unpacks it all.

Does tea contain caffeine?

Yes, it does, but in small amounts. Caffeine is the world’s most consumed psychoactive substance. Unlike coffee, which is about 90 percent, the level of antioxidants in tea is in small quantities.

That said, if you start feeling jittery, anxious or unable to sleep after tea, you may need to limit your intake or avoid it later in the day.

Is black tea healthier than tea with milk?

Both have benefits. Black tea is rich in antioxidants like theaflavins and catechins, which help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Adding milk may reduce the antioxidant capacity slightly, but it also adds calcium and protein. Unless you have specific dietary goals, either tea is fine. What matters is how much sugar you're adding to your cup of tea.

Does green tea help with weight loss, or is that just hype?

Green tea is not a magic solution in weight management, but it helps speed up metabolism in the human body. It is less oxidised, so it retains more antioxidants. When taken without excess sugar or additives, it is a healthy beverage.

Does tea help with dehydration?

Tea contains caffeine, which is a diuretic, but the water/milk in tea more than makes up for the increased urination. Unless you’re drinking very large amounts of tea, the beverage is refreshing and hydrates the body.

Are flavoured teas any good?

Sure. The fruit tea infusions are healthy. They offer different natural flavours, making them a great alternative to sugary drinks.

Floral teas such as hibiscus help lower blood pressure. Herbal teas such as chamomile tea are often taken in the evening. They have a soothing effect and improve the quality of sleep.

For herbal tea blends like ginger and peppermint, I recommend consulting a physician before taking them, especially if the consumer is pregnant or has a specific health condition.

Is there a benefit of taking scalding hot tea versus warm or cold tea?

It comes down to personal preference, really. As long as there are no underlying medical concerns, the hotness or coldness doesn’t affect the tea’s nutritional value.

Any pro tips for a thriving tea lifestyle?

Sure. First, go for the best quality of tea you can get. Watch out for companies that have a benchmark for identification, composition and quality.

Second, take your high-quality tea in moderation, as overconsumption of any drink may cause gut issues.

Take sugar in moderation. One or two teaspoons of sugar per cup is ideal. Natural alternatives like honey are a better option.

Avoid overusing additives such as creamers or condensed milk; instead, go for natural fresh cream and milk.

It is advisable to wait for at least 30 minutes before taking tea after meals to avoid tummy discomfort and allow absorption of nutrients from the meal.

Lastly, stay hydrated. Take plenty of water to complement tea, even when taken in small amounts.

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