Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Regardless of your favorite variety, there are some foods that you shouldn’t combine with tea.
Citrus
It is believed that the tradition of drinking tea with lemon originated in Russia: merchants allegedly demonstrated their wealth in this way – lemons were quite expensive. Many people cannot imagine tea without lemon even today, but experts warn against this combination. Acid does not get along with tannins contained in tea, which can cause a bitter or metallic taste. You should not abuse lemon, so as not to irritate the stomach. A little zest is enough for aroma.
Squirrels
Unlike fats and carbohydrates, proteins are often in short supply. But if you are eating protein foods at every meal, as you should, tea should be somewhere in between. The fact is that proteins found in meat, eggs, and some plant foods can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants found in tea. So, to get the most benefit from this drink, drink it separately from high-protein foods.
Spicy
You are unlikely to be able to taste tea after a spicy dish. But it is not only about taste and aroma. Hot peppers contain a substance called capsaicin, which is responsible for the pungency. It is believed that in combination with tea, it can also irritate the stomach. To play it safe and get maximum pleasure from both spicy food and tea, this combination should be avoided.
Dairy
Milk is another traditional tea additive. But this combination, according to experts, is also unfortunate. Dairy products can bind with the antioxidants in tea, especially the catechins, which are responsible for many of the health benefits of tea. In turn, the proteins in dairy products can distort the delicate taste of tea, making it less enjoyable. If you really like this combination, at least avoid eating cream, cheese, or yogurt with it.
Sweets and desserts
The idea of having a sweet pastry, dessert or candy with your tea can be incredibly tempting. But pairing tea with sweets is not the best idea. Firstly, you will not be able to appreciate the complexity of the taste, and secondly, drinking tea will automatically become an act of harm to health. Namely, sharp jumps in blood sugar levels will lead to a feeling of fatigue, not to mention the long-term health consequences.
Iron Rich Foods
Iron is an essential micronutrient for our body, helping to transport oxygen and produce energy. However, tea contains tannins and oxalates, which can interfere with the absorption of iron, especially iron found in plant foods such as spinach, beans, and nuts. If you eat iron-rich foods, it is best not to drink tea with them. For optimal absorption of iron, it is best to wait at least an hour, both before and after eating.