According to the ICMR, instant coffee has 50–65 mg of caffeine, tea has 30-65 mg, and brewed coffee has 80–120 mg.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has encouraged Indians to reduce their usage of tea and coffee in addition to abstaining from protein supplements. The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the medical body collaborated to create new dietary guidelines that state that excessive consumption of tea and coffee should be avoided since they contain “caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and induces physiological dependence.
“It states that although instant coffee has 50–65 mg and tea has 30-65 mg of caffeine, a 150 ml cup of brewed coffee has 80–120 mg. The ICMR has recommended consuming no more than 300 mg of caffeine per day.
Additionally, because these drinks include tannins, which might limit the body’s absorption of iron, it has been recommended to avoid having them for at least an hour before and after meals. In the stomach, tannins bind to iron, making it more difficult for the body to absorb iron as it should. Iron deficiency and health issues like anemia could result from this. It also mentioned increased blood pressure and irregular heartbeats as consequences of excessive coffee use.
Still, it said that drinking tea without milk has some advantages, such as better blood circulation and a lower chance of heart disease and stomach cancer. The recommendations limited consumption of oil, sugar, and salt and encouraged consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and seafood.
That tea or coffee consumed before or after meals may hinder the body’s absorption of vital minerals like iron, according to Dr. Vikas Jindal, consultant in the department of gastroenterology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi. “This could eventually result in deficiencies,” Jindal added.
In addition to raising questions about iron absorption, Dr. Jindal noted that consuming drinks with meals can lessen stomach acid, which is essential for healthy digestion. “In the end, this would affect overall digestion and nutrient absorption and potentially limit food breakdown and absorption,” Dr. Jindal stated.
So, is drinking tea without milk a wise choice?
Choosing tea without milk could help with some nutrient absorption problems because milk can further impede the absorption of some nutrients, such as iron, explained Dr. Jindal. But even without milk, tea and coffee still contain tannins and caffeine, which can interfere with nutritional absorption and digestion, according to Dr. Jindal.
To optimize digestion and nutritional absorption, it is recommended to sip water with meals instead of tea or coffee. If one prefers, one should wait at least one hour after meals before ingesting such beverages. Dr. Jindal continued, “Eating enough nutrients is necessary to preserve general health and well-being.
Dr. Neeti Sharma, senior consultant in nutrition and metabolism at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Gurugram, went on to say that people should prioritize eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and drinking plenty of water to maintain their general health and wellbeing. “For individualized dietary recommendations, speaking with your physician or dietician is also advised, particularly for people with particular health issues or dietary restrictions,” Dr. Sharma stated.
