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| - Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking morning tea is same as poison. However, after fact checking, we found that this claim is false.
The Claim
An Instagram reel suggests that morning tea is as harmful as poison. It argues that tea, especially when consumed with sugar and milk, feeds bad bacteria in the gut. The post further claims that tea does not clean the stomach as believed but instead triggers dependency.
Fact Check
Can morning tea be considered poison?
No, morning tea cannot be considered poison. There is no scientific evidence or medical backing for this claim. When consumed in moderation, tea is safe and can even be good for your health. Poison refers to things that can harm or kill you, and tea is definitely not one of those.
The claim seems to exaggerate some of the potential downsides of tea, like adding sugar or milk. But even with these, they’re not harmful if you consume them in moderation. In fact, a 2017 study found that drinking tea and milk can lower the risk of oral cancer, especially when both are consumed together. The benefits were more noticeable in older adults, urban residents, and men with a healthy weight. Another study from 2007, found that brewing black tea for longer increases its health benefits, such as antioxidants and catechins. Adding milk doesn’t affect these benefits. Overall, the benefits of tea far outweigh any risks when it’s part of a balanced diet.
We spoke with Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, to learn more about morning tea and whether it is harmful. She says, “Tea contains polyphenols, which contribute to its safety and health benefits. Compared to coffee, tea generally contains lower levels of caffeine, making it a suitable option for many individuals. It can be enjoyed in the morning with added sugar and milk or prepared according to personal preferences. Claims suggesting that tea is harmful or poisonous are unfounded. For those who experience gastric issues, it is advisable to consume milder tea varieties and avoid boiling them for prolonged periods. Ultimately, morning tea can be a delightful and healthful choice.”
We also connected with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, to learn whether morning tea is poisonous. She says, “Morning tea is definitely not ‘poison.’ In fact, it’s a drink that many people enjoy for its refreshing taste and health benefits. Tea contains antioxidants that can support heart health and protect cells from damage. The concern with adding too much sugar or milk is that it can increase your calorie intake, but in moderation, tea is a healthy choice, not something to fear.”
Does tea harm the gut by feeding bad bacteria?
Not exactly. The claim that tea feeds bad bacteria in the gut is misleading. While milk and sugar can influence gut bacteria, their effects depend on the overall diet. Research shows dairy, like milk, can benefit gut health, while excessive sugar can disrupt it. However, adding a teaspoon of sugar to tea is unlikely to cause significant harm, and individual responses to milk can vary.
On the contrary, tea contains polyphenols, which have prebiotic properties. These compounds promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestive health. Research shows that tea, especially green tea, can positively impact gut microbiota.
Does tea fail to clean the stomach?
Yes, tea does not “clean” the stomach, but this is not its purpose. The belief that tea acts as a stomach cleanser is a misconception. Tea stimulates digestion and can have a mild laxative effect for some, but it does not physically cleanse the stomach. Warm water, as suggested in the claim, may help with hydration but does not “break any programme” or replace tea’s unique properties, as claimed in the video.
What are the actual health benefits of tea?
Tea offers several health benefits due to its rich polyphenol content. Green tea is abundant in catechins, which are powerful antioxidants, while black tea contains theaflavins with anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. Regular tea consumption may offer these benefits:
- Improved heart health
- Enhanced brain function
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
- Better gut health
- Lower bad cholesterol
- Decreased blood pressure
- Lesser risk of stroke and dementia
However, excessive tea consumption, especially with high amounts of sugar or milk, can contribute to calorie intake and potentially affect health negatively. Moderation is key.
THIP Media Take
The claim that drinking morning tea is same as poison is false. Tea, when consumed responsibly, provides numerous health benefits and is not inherently harmful. Misleading claims like this can cause unnecessary fear. Instead, focus on balanced dietary habits for overall well-being.
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