The popular black tea that we usually consume contains caffeine, which multiple studies have shown to be harmful to our body.
The right approach to tea and coffee consumption, as advised by the ICMR, is quite sensible to maintain optimal health.
While the ICMR has had some inaccuracies, its guidelines on tea and coffee consumption are spot on. These drinks do create a physiological dependence. The popular black tea that we usually consume contains caffeine, which multiple studies have shown to be harmful to our body. Transitioning to herbal teas such as chamomile, rose, dandelion root, jasmine and hibiscus can be immensely beneficial as they lack caffeine. For example, chamomile tea has a calming effect on the nerves, while hibiscus tea promotes hair health.
Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Nutritionist, CEO and Founder, iThrive, says, “Herbal teas with organic components can also help in digestion and relieve issues like gas and bloating, thanks to their bioactive compounds. It is crucial to understand both the quantity and quality of what we consume.” For example, turmeric is known for its medicinal properties thanks to curcumin, but excessive intake can cause liver toxicity. Similarly, relying on regular tea to start your day is a sign of caffeine dependence, which affects adrenal function and impairs cortisol production. Drinking tea late at night can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Pradhan adds: “The caffeine contained in tea and coffee creates a dependency where many people need their morning cup to function and without it, they suffer from headaches. This dependency also causes a surge in energy followed by a sharp drop a few hours later. Additionally, tea contains tannins and oxalates, which inhibit iron absorption.”
This is particularly worrying given the findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) that around 57% of non-pregnant women and 52% of pregnant women in India suffer from anemia. For these women, drinking tea can aggravate their condition. Additionally, the added sugar and hyper-processed milk in tea further harm the body.
In conclusion, the right approach to tea and coffee consumption, as recommended by the ICMR, is quite sensible to maintain optimal health and avoid the dangers of caffeine dependence and its associated health problems.
