Avoid Milk tea: ICMR advises tea, coffee consumers about when to drink, when to avoid, ideal quantity.

All around the world, tea and coffee have long been staples of everyday life. They are more than simply drinks in many cultures; they are customs, rituals, and cozy times. But new guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have clarified when and how we should enjoy these popular beverages. The ICMR's recommendations on milk tea avoidance, the best times to drink tea and coffee, when to avoid them, and the recommended amounts for overall health will all be covered in this page.

The ICMR's Stand on Milk Tea:

Recently, the ICMR issued a warning against drinking milk tea, a common kind that millions of people love. So why should we stay away from milk tea? The ICMR states that the combination of milk and tea might lessen the absorption of healthy substances like catechins, which are strong antioxidants present in tea. These catechins are well-known for their many health advantages, which include lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and decreasing inflammation. Addition of milk may lessen these advantages.

Furthermore, some people may experience digestive problems as a result of drinking milk tea, especially those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy products. Discomfort, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues may arise from this. Therefore, to enhance the health advantages of tea for those who want to, The ICMR recommends avoiding milk tea.

The Best Times to Sip Coffee and Tea:

When it comes to drinking tea and coffee, timing is everything. According to the ICMR, mid-morning and early afternoon are the ideal times to have these drinks. Tea and coffee are great office companions since they help you stay focused and awake throughout these times.

The best time to have your first cup is in the morning, around one hour after breakfast. This timing helps prevent acid reflux and other uncomfortable side effects of coffee on an empty stomach. This is particularly crucial for coffee enthusiasts because coffee has a higher acidity than tea.

Another ideal time is right after lunch, in the early afternoon. This can enhance focus and counteract the energy slump that occurs after lunch. However, because caffeine can disrupt your sleep pattern, it's crucial to avoid consuming tea or coffee too late in the day. Your last cup should ideally be had at least six hours before going to bed.

When to Avoid Drinking Coffee and Tea:

It's just as essential to know when to consume and when to avoid tea and coffee. Avoiding these drinks when you're hungry is advised by the ICMR. Heartburn or indigestion can result from consuming tea or coffee first thing in the morning since it increases stomach acidity.

Avoiding tea and coffee in the late evening or at night is also suggested. Because caffeine has a half-life of five to six hours, it can linger in your system for a long period. Caffeine use in the late afternoon might cause sleep disturbances that impair sleep quality or induce insomnia.

If you have acid reflux, ulcers, or high blood pressure, it may be wise to cut back on or stay away from tea and coffee completely. These problems may be made worse by the acidity and caffeine levels, which might cause discomfort or other health issues.

The Optimal Amount of Coffee and Tea:

When it comes to tea and coffee drinking, the ICMR advises moderation. Two to three cups of tea each day are usually regarded as safe and advantageous. By doing this, you may take advantage of tea's antioxidant qualities without putting too much caffeine in your system.

The recommended daily intake of coffee is often one to two cups. This amount of caffeine has the stimulating effects that improve alertness and cognitive performance, but it doesn't make you jittery or anxious as an overindulgence may.

The Health Advantages of Coffee and Tea:

 
Both tea and coffee, when eaten in moderation, offer many health advantages, however the ICMR recommends against milk tea. Antioxidants and polyphenols found in tea, particularly green tea, have been shown to lessen the incidence of some malignancies, promote heart health, and reduce inflammation.

On the other hand, coffee's caffeine level makes it well-known for its energizing properties. It can raise metabolic rate, elevate mood, and increase mental alertness. Additionally, research has demonstrated a protective association between moderate coffee drinking and a decreased risk of neurological disorders including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

The Cultural Significance of Tea and Coffee:

Tea and coffee are more than simply beverages; they are ways of life in many civilizations. For instance, tea is a common beverage in most homes in India. Millions of people drink hot, spicy milk tea from roadside booths every day as part of the ubiquitous "chai" ritual. Although the ICMR's recommendation to stay away from milk tea may come as a big shock to many, it does emphasise how important it is to adjust our eating habits in order to improve our health.

Similar to this, coffee is highly valued in various societies—from Middle Eastern coffee shops to Italian espresso bars. We can preserve these cultural traditions and advance health and wellbeing by being aware of the best methods for consuming tea and coffee.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Tea and Coffee:

To align with the ICMR's recommendations, here are some practical tips for enjoying your tea and coffee:

Select Quality: Go for quality coffee beans or tea leaves. The flavor and health advantages of your tea and coffee can be greatly influenced by their quality.

Be Aware of the Additives: Stay clear of making your drinks too sweet or too creamy. Use natural sweeteners like stevia or honey if you like a little sweetness.

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Coffee and tea can cause dehydration. To keep hydrated, make sure you consume a lot of water throughout the day.

Pay Attention to Your Body: Observe your body's response to coffee and tea. It could be necessary to reduce your consumption if you experience any negative side effects, such as jitteriness, sleeplessness, or digestive problems.

Try Different Teas: If you're told not to drink milk tea, try other teas like black coffee or herbal teas. These can offer similar comfort and enjoyment without the drawbacks of milk tea.

In summary

A better lifestyle starts with following the ICMR's recommendations, which include avoiding milk tea and knowing when and how much tea and coffee to drink. We may reap the advantages of these cherished beverages without jeopardizing our health if we know when to drink, when to abstain, and how much to take.

We must put our health first, even if it might be difficult to break old behaviors, particularly ones that are ingrained in society. There are major health benefits to drinking tea and coffee in moderation, avoiding milk tea, and following the suggested hours. We may still enjoy our favorite beverages while making sure they are good for our health as we accept these modifications.

In conclusion, heed the ICMR's recommendations about tea and coffee intake to steer clear of milk tea. When consuming them, be sure to avoid them when needed, and consume them in the recommended amounts. By doing this, you'll get the entire range of health advantages that come with tea and coffee in addition to tasting its rich tastes and traditions.