In Indian households, mornings often begin with a hot cup of tea. People can’t even imagine starting their day without sipping on tea. Many are so used to drinking tea that they even consume it on an empty stomach. But have you ever thought about how drinking tea on an empty stomach affects your health? Does it have benefits or side effects?
In this article, we will understand the advantages and disadvantages of drinking tea on an empty stomach in the morning. We will also look at which types of tea can be beneficial and in what situations one should avoid tea.
Tea is a beverage made from the leaves of a plant called Camellia sinensis. There are many types of tea such as black tea, green tea, herbal tea, milk tea, masala tea, etc. Each type of tea has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s understand the pros and cons of different types of tea with examples and comments.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach in the Morning
Helps to Stay Awake
Tea contains caffeine, which is a natural stimulant. In the morning, right after waking up, the body and mind feel dull. In such a case, tea helps in waking up the brain and increasing alertness.
Tea Boosts Mood
Drinking tea in the morning can improve your mood. It helps to remove mental dullness. The L-theanine present in tea helps in reducing stress and promotes positive feelings.
Tea Helps Activate the Digestive System
Many people believe that drinking light warm tea on an empty stomach helps clean the stomach, refreshes the mood, and improves digestion. Especially green tea or warm lemon tea helps detox the body.
Tea is a Good Source of Antioxidants
Green tea and black tea are rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals. Drinking such tea keeps the mind fresh, keeps the body energized, and also helps protect against many diseases.
Tea Can Boost Metabolism
Drinking green tea on an empty stomach helps speed up metabolism, which supports weight loss. That’s why many diet plans suggest drinking green tea in the morning. It is very beneficial and should be taken on an empty stomach.
What Are the Disadvantages of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach? Let’s Understand
Now let’s talk about the aspect that many people often ignore — the disadvantages. Drinking tea on an empty stomach may be helpful for some, but it can also cause harm to many. That’s why it is important to understand who should or should not drink tea in the morning.
Why Tea Causes Acidity and Gas Problems
Tea contains tannic acid, which can increase stomach acidity. Drinking tea on an empty stomach can disturb the balance between stomach acid and the stomach lining, leading to problems like gas and burning sensation.
Why Tea Affects the Digestive System Negatively
Tea can affect the production of hydrochloric acid in the body, which helps in digesting food. This can lead to issues like bloating or stomach pain. But there’s no need to panic — tea can also be helpful when taken properly.
Why Tea Can Lead to Dehydration
The caffeine in tea acts as a diuretic. This means it increases urination, which causes the body to lose water quickly and may lead to dehydration. Still, there’s no need to worry if you stay hydrated.
Tea Can Suppress Hunger
Drinking tea on an empty stomach can suppress the feeling of hunger. As a result, a person might skip breakfast, which can affect energy levels throughout the day and may lead to weakness.
Tea Can Disturb Sleep
Consuming too much caffeine in the morning can affect the body’s sleep cycle. This can lead to trouble falling asleep or restlessness at night. But again, it depends on how and when you take it.
Tea Can Cause Hormonal Imbalance
Especially in women, drinking too much tea has been linked to hormonal imbalances. It can cause issues like irregular periods, acne, and fatigue.
What Kind of Tea Should We Drink?
If you are a tea lover and drinking tea on an empty stomach is your habit, it’s important to take some precautions. There are simple ways to avoid these problems. Let’s find out how.
Better Alternatives
- Lukewarm Water + Lemon + Honey – This is one of the best and most natural ways to wake the body up from sleep. If you want to avoid morning drowsiness, you should definitely try this method.
- Green Tea – Due to low caffeine and high antioxidants, it is very beneficial. It should definitely be consumed, as it does not harm the body.
- Tulsi or Ginger Herbal Tea – This type of tea is light on the stomach and helps boost immunity. You should include it in your routine.
- Fennel Tea – It is very helpful for proper digestion and also works well against gas problems in the stomach. So make sure to use it.
Which Teas Should Be Avoided?
- Milk Tea – Especially if you drink it with sugar and spices. This type of tea causes the most acidity. If you often experience acidity, avoid this tea as it can be harmful for you.
- Strong Tea – Boiling tea for too long increases the amount of tannic acid and caffeine. Strong tea may seem useful, but it can be harmful in the long run.
- Very Hot Tea – Drinking tea that is too hot can harm your throat and also affect the stomach. It’s better not to drink tea when it’s too hot.
When Should We Drink Tea? Let’s Understand
You should not drink tea immediately after waking up. First, drink a glass of lukewarm water. Only after that, you can have tea. Do not keep too much gap between tea and breakfast. Drink it early. Avoid drinking more than 2 cups of tea in a day, as it may lead to various health issues.
Who Should Not Drink Tea on an Empty Stomach?
People suffering from gas, acidity, or ulcers should not drink tea on an empty stomach.
Pregnant women should strictly avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach. It can be very harmful.
People who face insomnia or anxiety should also not consume tea without eating anything. Those dealing with stress and high blood pressure should avoid tea first thing in the morning.
What Does Ayurveda Say About Tea?
According to Ayurveda, the first thing in the morning should be water. Water activates the digestive fire and improves digestion. Tea, especially strong milk tea, can increase Vata and Pitta in the body, leading to imbalance.
Conclusion
Drinking tea on an empty stomach in the morning has become a common habit, but it is not beneficial for everyone. If you are a tea lover, it is better to take some precautions. Most importantly – tea can never be a substitute for food. For a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, enough sleep, and proper hydration are essential.
If you are facing issues like acidity, fatigue, poor sleep, or lack of appetite, you should definitely reconsider your morning tea habit.
Suggestions
Have something light with tea, like dry fruits or biscuits. Give priority to green tea or herbal tea. Try skipping tea on an empty stomach for a week – you will feel the difference. If you found this article useful, please share it and share your feedback below.
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