5 FOODS TO AVOID WHEN DRINKING TEA
Nowadays, tea is an essential part of social and cultural life. It is the most commonly consumed beverage after water, and people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it throughout the day. Tea is known as "chai" or "masala chai" in India, and it is made by brewing loose black tea leaves with milk, water, and a blend of aromatic spices such as ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. The resulting tea is a rich, flavorful concoction that is traditionally served in small clay cups known as "kulhad" or "chai glasses." It is frequently served with snacks such as pakoras/bhajiyas, samosas, namkeen, toasts, and biscuits, as well as some sweets. But did you know that some of these dishes may be harmful to your health? While there are no hard and fast rules about what foods should and should not be eaten with tea, there are some general guidelines that can improve your tea drinking experience. Here are some foods you should avoid when drinking tea.
1. Acidic foods
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, can inhibit the absorption of catechins (antioxidants) found in tea. When you consume acidic foods alongside tea, your body's ability to absorb catechins is reduced.
2. Spicy or strong-flavoured foods
Highly seasoned, spicy, or strong-flavored foods can overpower the delicate flavor of tea, making it difficult to fully appreciate the aroma and taste of the tea. Garlic, onion, hot sauce, curry, and chili are examples of such foods.
3. Sweet foods
While sweet foods like cakes, cookies, biscuits, and chocolate can enhance the flavor of tea, too much sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and other health problems. Sweet foods should be consumed in moderation and paired with a tea with a complementary flavor.
4. Fried or greasy foods
Fried or greasy foods can be heavy and difficult to digest, making you feel sluggish and uneasy. Tea can aid digestion, but when combined with heavy foods, this benefit is diminished.
5. Dairy products
The polyphenols in tea can be neutralized by milk or cream, reducing their antioxidant benefits. However, in black teas, this effect is less pronounced, and some people enjoy the creamy flavor of milk or cream in their tea.
6. RECOMMENDATION
In general, choose light, savory snacks or delicate pastries that will not overpower the tea's flavor. Foods high in fiber or protein can also help slow caffeine absorption, preventing jitters and crashes. Finally, it is up to you to experiment with various food and tea pairings to find out what works best for your taste buds and body.
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