There is nothing more comforting than a hot cup of tea. Just one sip and it automatically lifts our spirits, right? As a tea lover, I can’t imagine going through my day without drinking several cups of tea – it’s my guilty pleasure. However, sometimes my cup of tea is not hot enough. In such a situation, my tendency is to reheat it immediately in the microwave or on the gas stove. I am sure many of you tea lovers do the same. But did you know that this might not be such a good idea? Although it can be delicious and save you time making fresh tea, reheating tea can cause many health problems. Recently, gut health and Ayurveda coach Dimple Jangra took to Instagram to share information on why you should think twice before reheating your tea.
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Why you shouldn’t reheat your tea, according to an expert:
According to Dimple, reheating tea can harm your health in three ways:
1. There may be iron deficiency
Yes, reheating tea can cause iron deficiency in your body. Dimple explains that tea leaves contain tannin – a compound that gives tea its distinctive color and flavour. However, when you reheat the tea, it also releases more tannins. This can be harmful, as tannins affect the absorption of nutrients from other foods you eat during the day. They say that it can reduce iron absorption by about 30-40%, which can lead to iron deficiency,
2. Acidity and stomach problems
Not only this, reheating tea can also cause acidity and stomach related problems. She says, ‘When we overcook tea leaves, they become acidic in nature, especially when mixed with milk.’ This acidic compound can cause heartburn, acid reflux, and irritation in your stomach. This can also cause a lot of discomfort throughout the day. To avoid this, try making tea without milk or replace it with lactose-free alternatives.
3. Dehydration
Did you know that reheating tea can also dehydrate you? This is because tea contains caffeine and when you overcook it, the caffeine content increases. Dimple explains that caffeine is also a mild diuretic. So, you may find yourself running to the bathroom and urinating frequently. Plus, it can make you feel dehydrated.
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So, what is the right way to consume tea?
Experts recommend avoiding reheating tea and drinking it fresh. When making this, she recommends not steeping the tea leaves for more than 3-5 minutes. She also recommends avoiding adding dairy products to your tea and choosing lactose-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk. Even better, you can switch to herbal teas like chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, dandelion tea, and green tea. Dimple says that these teas have less tannins and offer more health benefits than regular tea. Additionally, they also help in detoxifying your body and flushing out all the harmful toxins.
Also read: Tea-paratha for breakfast? 5 ways to make it more nutritious
Now that you know that reheating a cup of tea is not a good idea, we hope you will avoid doing so in the future. Here’s to healthy living and staying healthy for you!