Tea is a plant native to Asia, specifically the sub-tropical region. It is an evergreen plant called Camellia sinensis. Tea combines hot water with tea leaves and can be consumed with or without milk. Some people sensitive to milk products choose not to add milk to their tea.
Tea contains antioxidants, while milk provides various nutrients like proteins, calcium, and potassium, which offer health benefits.
Drinking tea can help you start your day. You can enhance its flavor and health benefits by adding ginger and cardamom. Having moderate amounts of milk tea daily does not significantly affect sleep cycles or other daily activities. It’s advisable to avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar to your tea.
The tradition of adding milk to tea is not limited to a particular culture, but the British significantly influenced this practice. The famous Indian “chai” tea is made by adding milk to tea and has been influenced by the British. Bubble tea and masala chai are well-known types of milk tea enjoyed worldwide.
Add milk to tea because
Consuming milk in moderate quantities can provide more significant benefits. Some people add ingredients like ginger, cardamom, holy basil leaves, or cloves to their tea, as these ingredients offer significant benefits.
Tea has a slightly bitter and dry taste, known as astringency. Adding milk or any dairy product to tea helps mellow and smoothen the flavor of the tea.
5 health benefits of having tea with milk
Tea and milk offer numerous benefits to the body:
- Provides strength to the body: Tea is rich in antioxidants, while milk is rich in calcium, potassium, and vitamins D and B12. These nutrients are essential for healthy bones and muscles.
- Excellent source of energy: Milk provides a significant amount of energy, and its carbohydrates and other contents help boost energy levels.
- Improve skin health: Consuming low-fat milk in moderation can positively affect the skin. Essential fats and antioxidants in milk contribute to improved skin health, a glowing complexion, and the prevention of premature aging.
- Stress reliever: Milk tea has antidepressant effects due to nutrients like tryptophan, which enhance mood and memory while reducing stress. The caffeine in milk tea also helps refresh the body. However, excessive consumption may trigger anxiety.
- Effective for weight loss: While the fats in milk can contribute to weight gain, polyphenols and caffeine in tea can aid in weight loss.
How to make milk tea
Ingredients
- Milk: 1 cup.
- Tea leaves: 2 tablespoons.
- Sugar: 1 or 2 teaspoons (optional).
- Water: ¼ cup.
Preparation
To make tea:
- Bring water to a boil in a vessel.
- Add tea leaves and turn off the heat.
- Let it brew for 2 to 3 minutes, then strain.
- Add warm milk and mix well.
- Serve.
Various types of tea are enjoyed worldwide, including masala chai, Hong Kong tea, boba tea, Bubble milk tea, and Thai iced tea.
Five possible side effects of milk tea
Milk tea can have some potential drawbacks:
- Gastric problems: Milk tea, being made with dairy, may cause bloating, gas, and indigestion. Additionally, the caffeine in tea can contribute to dehydration and potentially lead to constipation.
- Sleep disturbances: Caffeine in milk tea can make it difficult to sleep. Adding sugar to this beverage may further exacerbate sleep issues.
- Weight gain: Milk tea often contains significant amounts of fats and sugars, which can contribute to weight gain.
- Anxiety: Consuming excessive amounts of milk tea can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain and trigger anxiety or mood disturbances.
- Other possible side effects include heartburn, acidity, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
While milk tea offers health benefits and mood-enhancing properties, avoiding adding sugar is advisable to enjoy its advantages fully.
FAQs
Is milk tea good or bad for you?
According to nutritional analysis research, milk tea is high in calories and carbohydrates, providing the body with energy but offering limited health benefits. However, there are two potential benefits when consuming milk tea:
- Lowering blood pressure: Green tea milk tea can be a beneficial beverage for individuals with high blood pressure, as it may help in reducing blood pressure levels.
Is it okay to drink milk tea every day?
Moderate consumption of milk tea can aid in the body’s detoxification process. However, excessive intake of milk tea can lead to overheating of the body, potentially causing chemical imbalances and triggering acne breakouts. Additionally, theophylline, a substance found in caffeinated tea, may contribute to constipation.
How much milk tea is good for health?
Drinking multiple cups of milk tea, known to boost energy, can raise your blood pressure and make your heart beat faster. It is recommended to limit consumption to 1-2 cups per day. To enhance the absorption of antioxidants, consider choosing black tea without milk or adding some lemon juice for an improved taste.
Is milk tea better for you than coffee?
Regarding health benefits, coffee emerges as the winner in this battle. Coffee drinkers can celebrate that their beverage provides them with fiber, promotes a healthy microbiome, and lowers the risk of cancer and diabetes. However, tea drinkers should maintain hope. Tea is undeniably beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing stress, promoting mental well-being, and enhancing productivity.
Why is black tea better than milk tea?
When comparing the health benefits of black tea and milk tea, it is essential to note that tea contains potent antioxidants. However, adding milk reduces the number of antioxidants and increases inflammation and acidity. On the other hand, black tea has a reputation for relaxing blood vessels, but adding milk to it may slow down this process.