Milk tea, or as we fondly call it, is practically a national obsession in India. Be it a sunny morning or a late-night cup of tea, tea is always there to soothe our souls. But amid all this cozy warmth, many of us struggle with an unexpected enemy: acidity. Turns out, the way we make our tea can make a huge difference between bliss and irritation. So, before you swear off your favourite beverage, learn how to enjoy your cup without suffering from acidity problems, straight from dietitians and nutritionists.
Also read: Tea: The drink that changed history – find out why it’s more than just a beverage
Why does milk tea cause acidity?
Acidity from milk tea is not just a myth—it is a real struggle for many tea lovers. According to dietitian Trishala, there are three main reasons for this:
1. Overboiling milk and tea together
We’ve all done it—boiling the tea for a little longer to enhance its flavour. But here’s a problem: overboiling milk with tea can break down the proteins and lactose, causing acidity in some people. Dietitian Trishala suggests an easy solution: after brewing the tea, add milk to it once it has cooled down a bit. This keeps the goodness of the milk intact and also keeps your tea smooth and soothing.
2. Letting the tea sit for too long
Time flies, but not your tea. Letting your fresh tea sit for too long can increase its sourness. To enjoy the freshness and avoid irritation, sip your tea within 10 minutes of brewing. Your taste buds and stomach will thank you.
3. Reheating your cup
Think twice before microwaving yesterday’s tea. According to Trishala, reheating tea, especially with milk, can change its composition and increase the acidity level. To make great tea every time, prepare only what you will drink in one go.
How much tea should you drink per day?
While drinking a few cups of tea can be part of a healthy routine, moderation is key. Harvard research suggests that drinking 3-4 cups of tea a day is beneficial, but drinking more than that is not beneficial. If you have a health problem, it is always wise to talk to your doctor first.
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Do not eat these foods with tea
Now that you have become a tea lover, here are some food combinations by nutritionist and macrobiotic health coach Shilpa Arora that you should stay away from for better health.
1. Leafy greens
As much as we love our green veggies, eating them with tea can inhibit iron absorption due to the tannins in the tea. Save spinach and broccoli for eating without tea to get maximum nutrients.
2. Chilled Fruit Salad
Tea warms you up from the inside, so do not consume raw fruits immediately after it. Eat fruits after tea to keep digestion smooth and avoid acidity.
3. Lemon
Lemon adds a tang to tea, but its acidity can affect your digestive system, causing discomfort. If you like lemon in your tea, consider drinking it in moderation so as not to make the acidity too much.
4. Turmeric
The health benefits of turmeric are great, but consuming it with tea can create a storm in your stomach. The combination of curcumin in turmeric and tannins in tea can lead to gastric problems like acidity or constipation.
5. Yogurt
Cold items like yogurt don’t pair well with hot tea. Experts recommend keeping hot and cold foods separate to prevent potential digestive distress.
Also read: Tea leaves or tea bags: Which is a healthier option?
Remember, enjoying tea should not be a problem of acidity. With these tips from experts, you can enjoy tea while keeping your stomach happy.