In Indian households, tea is more than just a beverage – it is like a warm embrace, a daily ritual and a comforting habit amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Whether accompanied by delicious pakoras on a rainy day or a plate of buttery biscuits, a hot cup of tea has the power to bring people together. However, as much as we love our tea, many of us are aware of the discomfort it causes, especially in the form of acidity. To deal with this, a popular remedy is adding cardamom to tea, with the hope that it can reduce acidity. But can this spice really help neutralise the acidity in your tea? If you are wondering the same, then you have landed on the right page! Let’s find out the truth behind this myth and find out which home remedies can help you deal with acidity.
Also read: Here are 5 reasons why lemon tea should be a part of your diet
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Does adding cardamom to tea reduce acidity?
The simple answer is, no. Let’s understand the basics behind it. Water has a pH level of 7, which is considered neutral. This means it is neither acidic nor alkaline in nature. Foods and beverages with a pH level lower than 7 are considered acidic. Tea, or chai, which is a staple beverage in many households, typically has a pH level between 6.4 to 6.8. The exact pH may vary depending on the brand of tea you choose.
According to nutritionist Shweta J Panchal, when adding milk to tea, it is important to keep in mind that milk itself is acidic. So, when you make tea with milk, you are just creating a mixture that is acidic in nature.
Talking about spices like cardamom, which are often added to enhance the taste of tea, they usually do not change the pH level of tea. Generally, 4-5 cardamom seeds are added, which is not enough to affect the acidity of the tea. So, no matter how many spices you add to your tea, they will not significantly affect the pH level.
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Eat these 5 foods at home to deal with acidity
If you suffer from acidity regularly, it means you need to work on your stomach. Here are 5 easy home remedies suggested by consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta to deal with this problem:
1. Celery
Ajwain or carom seeds help deal with digestive problems. This is because it contains an active compound called thymol that helps in this. To reduce acidity, chew ajwain with a pinch of salt or soak a teaspoon in water overnight and drink the water.
2. Fennel
Saunf, also known as fennel seeds, aids digestion and reduces acidity. Chew fennel after meals or soak it in water overnight and drink it later. You can also add it to warm fennel water which can keep your stomach health happy.
3. Milk and yogurt
Cold or room temperature milk acts as a natural antacid, which helps reduce acidity. Drink milk slowly to neutralise stomach acid levels. Yogurt is also very effective in dealing with acidity as it contains probiotics that help promote a healthy gut.
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4. Honey
Drinking a teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water helps neutralize stomach acid. Adding lemon to it makes it an effective alkaline agent, further reducing acid levels.
5. Coriander
Dhaniya or dhania, both in the form of fresh leaves or dried seeds, helps to deal with acidity. Green coriander juice or coriander seed tea can reduce flatulence, nausea and vomiting, which are some of the common symptoms of acidity.
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So, eat these foods to deal with acidity naturally, and keep your man happy and healthy!
