Why shouldn't you drink tea after eating? hello healthy

For most Indonesians, drinking tea after eating has become commonplace. The light but rich taste and aroma of tea is perfect for helping clean your mouth and tongue from the remains of your food. However, did you know that drinking tea after eating actually has side effects?

After eating, your digestion works to absorb various nutrients and substances from the incoming food. Tea can interfere with this process. To find out more about the side effects of drinking tea after eating, consider the following reasons.

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Benefits and content in tea

Tea is a drink that is rich in nutrients that are good for health. Many people's favorite drink is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are able to regenerate and repair damaged body cells, prevent premature aging, and fight free radicals. Although not as much as coffee, tea also contains caffeine which will help you stay fresh and alert. To smooth your digestive system, several types of herbal teas such as tea chamomile and green tea can be a solution.

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Many studies have shown that drinking tea regularly can reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, hypertension, liver disease, heart attack and stroke. Apart from that, tea also helps to lose and control weight. Due to the myriad of properties offered, tea has been a favorite drink of people, especially in Asia, for centuries.

What happens if you drink tea after eating

Although tea is very beneficial for health, there are things that need to be considered before you drink tea. One of them is when you should drink tea. It has recently been discovered that drinking tea after meals risks disrupting digestion and absorption of nutrients in your body.

A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that the content of tannin acids and polyphenols in tea can interfere with the absorption of protein and iron. The reason is, tannin and polyphenol acids will bind these two nutrients in the intestine.

As a result, the body will not be able to absorb and break down these substances. In fact, you need protein and iron to carry out various body functions. Its uses include forming tissues and body cells, increasing endurance, providing a source of energy, and producing oxygen-rich blood.

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Similar research results can also be seen in journals Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. In the study, it was proven that if you consume tea while eating or after eating, the tannins and polyphenols in your tea will immediately bind to protein and iron before they are absorbed by the body. As a result, the nutrients you get from your food are wasted. Thus, people who are deficient in iron or suffering from anemia should avoid drinking tea either after eating or while eating.

When is the best time to drink tea?

If you are not advised to drink tea after eating, when is the best time to drink tea?

If after eating you really want to drink tea, give it between half an hour to an hour. Choose the type of tea, namely green tea. The reason is, green tea can help improve digestion and will not have too much impact on the absorption of iron and protein like black tea. Also, make sure that you don't drink too much tea after eating. Limit it to one cup.

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Ideally, drink tea approximately one hour before meals. You can also drink tea between meals. By this time, your digestion has finished absorbing the various nutrients your body receives when you eat. The useful content of tea is also easier for the body to digest and absorb.

You should also avoid drinking tea before bed. At night, your digestive system is not working as well as during the day. So, the body will find it more difficult to break down sugar and various important nutrients in your tea. Tea also contains caffeine which can keep you awake and have trouble sleeping.